Hauppauge NY
4-30-2023 1:10pm

Hauppauge gun buyback gets over 450 firearms off the streets in exchange for gift cards

On Saturday, despite heavy rain, numerous individuals appeared with umbrellas in hand to exchange their firearms for cash, resulting in an overwhelming attendance.

In Hauppauge, people were given the chance to trade in their firearms for a prepaid gift card through a gun buyback program that didn't require them to answer any questions.

The Suffolk Police Commissioner, Rodney Harrison, mentioned that the buyback initiative showcased an extraordinary turnout.

"It is pleasing to witness the removal of some of these firearms from circulation," he commented. "Regrettably, instances have arisen in which these weapons have been acquired by the wrong individuals who have subsequently inflicted harm upon others."

On Saturday, the Attorney General of New York, Letitia James, organized nine events simultaneously across the state, ranging from Niagara Falls to Long Island. The primary objective of these events was to address and curtail the prevalent issue of gun violence.

The attorney general's Suffolk Regional Office in Hauppauge collaborated with the Suffolk County Police Department to gather the firearms, with James' office involved in the partnership.

Even after the designated ending time of 1 p.m. for the three-hour affair, there was a queue of individuals.

Hauppauge collected a total of 462 firearms, out of which 38 were assault rifles. The attorney general's office reported the statewide collection of 3,076 guns, including 185 assault rifles.

James stated in a statement following the conclusion of the buyback program, "Each firearm that we took from households in Hauppauge and public areas has the potential to prevent a tragedy and is a further measure towards safeguarding communities across New York state."

James' office stated that all gathered firearms would be destroyed. Handguns could be exchanged for $500, with an additional $150 for each handgun. Shotguns and rifles had a value of $75. Ghost guns, as well as assault rifles, had a value of $500. Ghost guns are firearms without any serial numbers.

Almost $11,000 had been distributed approximately 50 minutes into the buyback.

Gun owners stood in a queue, which enveloped the edifice, to arrive at the first checkpoint where law enforcement officers safeguarded the firearms and validated that they were empty. Afterward, they waited once more to surrender their weapon and receive their compensation.g that, they subsequently queued afresh to surrender their firearms and receive remuneration.

According to State Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), her office utilized social media and newsletters to boost the promotion of the buyback. She expressed concern over the numerous lives being claimed by gun violence throughout the nation.

She stated that their aim was only to support families in bringing their firearms to ensure their safety.

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded over 48,000 fatalities involving firearms in the United States. According to an analysis published by The Washington Post in July of last year, it is estimated that over 43 million guns were purchased in the United States between 2020 to 2021.

The large turnout was credited to the fact that the event was kept anonymous, according to officials.

According to Martinez, it provides individuals with a sense of security knowing that they will not face any criticism, and PD will not pursue them. Thus, it is an environment in which they can contribute to resolving the matter freely.

According to Harrison, the police don't verify if the guns are connected to any criminal activity.

According to Martinez, it creates a secure environment where individuals can participate in finding solutions without fear of being judged or targeted by PD.

According to Harrison, the police do not verify if the guns are linked to any criminal activity.

The commissioner of police expressed his wish to sustain the gun buyback initiatives, by working closely with elected leaders at a local level, and further eliminate firearms from public areas.

TJ Hatter, the director of intergovernmental affairs for the attorney general's office in Long Island, reported that upon his arrival at 8 a.m, there were already people lined up outside the office, more than two hours prior to the scheduled start.

He stated that there has been a great deal of curiosity and inquiries since it was publicized.

After inheriting a pair of guns from a deceased friend, a woman from Huntington turned them in and received $625.

"She mentioned that we ended up confiscating [the guns] as per his request, but what should be done with it now?"

The woman, who chose to remain anonymous because of the program's confidentiality, stated that the buyback was a perfect way to get rid of the weapons.

Upon obtaining a MasterCard gift card, a different woman expressed her gratitude to the officers by stating: "You provided me with tremendous assistance."

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