More than 500 firearms were turned in at a community gun buyback event in Rochester. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG), hosted the event alongside the Rochester Police Department on Saturday.

In total, the event resulted in 548 guns being turned in, including 32 assault weapons, 306 handguns, and 152 long guns. 

“Gun buyback events empower local communities to remove unwanted firearms off our streets and out of our communities,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Every one of the guns collected today is another potential life saved and tragedy averted. I thank the Rochester Police Department and my partners in local and state government for working with my office to ensure this event was a success. Together, we will keep protecting New York families from the scourge of gun violence.”

Following the event, AG James reports that her office has helped remove more than 8,200 guns out of New York communities.

“Gun buyback programs can reduce the number of weapons in our community, help remove firearms from homes where they might be stored unsafely or are no longer desired, and can help to prevent illegal guns from falling into the wrong hands,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “These programs are part of broader community safety initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence and improving public safety. Thanks to Attorney General Letitia James and the Rochester Police Department for their partnership on this effort.”