Federal, State, and Local Leaders Applaud Attorney General James’ Removal of More Than 10,000 Guns from New York

October 22, 2026

Since 2019, AG James Has Recovered 10,534 Firearms from Community Gun Buyback Events Throughout New York State

NEW YORK - Earlier this week, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that since 2019, her office has removed 10,534 guns from New York's streets through dozens of community gun buyback events. Leaders from across New York today joined Attorney General James in celebrating the success of the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) gun buyback program:

"Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority and I'm grateful for the Attorney General's partnership in our effort to reduce gun violence and make our communities safer," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "Getting more than 10,000 guns off our streets is no small feat, and every firearm turned in is one less that could fall into the wrong hands. Every New Yorker deserves to live, work, and raise a family without the fear of gun violence and this milestone is another step forward in ending preventable tragedies and building a safer New York for all."

"Taking dangerous guns off our streets and unwanted guns out of homes keeps New Yorkers and our neighborhoods safe," said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "Attorney General James has led the way in fighting gun violence and supporting gun buyback programs. Every gun turned over through buyback programs is a step in the right direction."

"In Buffalo, we know the devastating impact gun violence has on our neighborhoods, families, and loved ones. I commend Attorney General James for her continued efforts to get guns off our streets and keep our communities safe," said Congressman Tim Kennedy. "Removing more than 10,000 firearms through gun buyback programs prevents tragedy and protects our neighbors statewide. We must continue working together with local law enforcement and community partners to keep guns out of the wrong hands and keep Western New Yorkers safe."

"With more than 10,000 guns already removed from homes through New York's gun buyback program, this initiative demonstrates how we can help make our communities safer by keeping firearms out of the wrong hands," said Congressman George Latimer. "I commend Attorney General James for her dedication to this initiative, and I look forward to seeing its continued impact on public safety."

"Over my years as Senate Majority Leader I have been proud to stand with Attorney General James and our partners in law enforcement to pass the municipal gun buyback program on the Senate floor and provide funding for gun buyback events that have helped remove over 10,000 guns from our streets," said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "Our gun safety legislation and investment in programs like SNUG have made communities safer from the threat of senseless violence." 

"Illegal guns were once legal guns somewhere," said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. "Gun buyback events are effective and enable people to remove deadly weapons from their homes and other locations. The removal of these 10,000 guns will save numerous lives in our neighborhoods and marks a step in the right direction in the fight to combat gun violence. I commend Attorney General James for her unwavering commitment to the safety of all New Yorkers, no matter their zip code. Community involvement and partnerships with elected officers and law enforcement is the key to safer communities."

"I commend Attorney General James and her staff for reaching this important milestone-over 10,000 guns collected through volunteer buybacks," said Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. "Every firearm removed from our communities is a step toward safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and a safer future for New Yorkers."

"Gun violence remains one of the most urgent threats to public safety across New York, said Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. "Removing dangerous, unregistered firearms from our streets is a vital step toward protecting our neighborhoods. Through community buybacks, we are taking proactive action to take deadly weapons out of circulation before they cause tragedies. I thank Attorney General James and the Rochester Police Department for their dedication in securing nearly 10,000 guns off our streets. I am committed to continuing that work and creating a safer future for every New Yorker."

"This milestone of more than 10,000 guns collected is a direct reflection of Attorney General Letitia James' efforts to keep firearms off the street and prevent gun violence," said Senator Siela A. Bynoe. "The gun buyback program is an important step in making our communities safer and ensuring our neighborhoods are better protected."

"New York's gun buyback program has successfully removed more than 10,000 guns from our streets, providing New Yorkers with a safe way to dispose of their firearms," said Senator Patricia Fahy. "We have more to do to ensure that everyone feels safe on our streets, but we're making real progress and strides in addressing the epidemic of gun violence here in the Capital Region and across the state. I want to thank Attorney General James for her tireless work in addressing gun violence and for her partnership to remove dangerous weapons from our neighborhoods."

"Removing more than 10,000 guns is a remarkable milestone, but our work cannot end here," said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. "We may not be able to prevent every act of gun violence, but that should never stop us from doing what we can to prevent the next one. I commend Attorney General James for her steadfast leadership and commitment to protecting New York families."

"It's simple: fewer guns on our streets means more lives saved," said Senator Andrew Gounardes. "New Yorkers want and deserve a city free from gun violence, and thanks to Attorney General James' efforts, we've taken an important step toward making that vision a reality. This hard work has paid off: New York City is on track for one of its safest years ever. We've still got more work to do, but I'm immensely grateful to the Attorney General for reaching this important milestone."

"Safely removing unwanted rifles and handguns from people's homes prevents these weapons from being stolen or borrowed and later used in crimes, while also reducing their use in suicides, domestic violence incidents and accidents involving children," said Senator Pete Harckham. "I applaud Attorney General James for removing more than 10,000 guns from circulation and remaining committed to the safety of residents across New York."

"Gun buyback programs are an important tool in our toolbox that help make our communities safer," said Senator Michelle Hinchey. "I'm grateful to Attorney General James for collaborating with Hudson Valley police departments to bring these events into our communities, including in Hudson and Kingston, where we've had strong success getting unwanted guns off our streets. I thank the Attorney General for her commitment to creating these trusted partnerships that make our region safer for everyone."

"The true measure of public safety is not only how government responds to tragedy, but how seriously it embraces its responsibility to prevent it," said Senator Robert Jackson. "Behind every act of gun violence is a human story, a family forever changed, and a future that cannot be restored. That is the wisdom of prevention: recognizing that the value of a life must never depend on the tragedy that forces us to protect it. I commend Attorney General James for demonstrating that responsible government must act with foresight and courage, before grief becomes the evidence of what more could have been done."

"Reducing gun violence starts by removing firearms from our streets," said Senator Monica Martinez. "When these weapons are left unsecured, forgotten, or allowed to fall into the wrong hands, they can lead to devastating tragedies. Thanks to Attorney General James' leadership, there will be 10,000 fewer chances for that to occur, making Long Island and all of New York safer."

"I applaud Attorney General James for her success in removing more than 10,000 guns from New York's streets," said Senator Shelley Mayer. "I have proudly supported these programs for years. They are critical to keeping our community safe - from getting illegal guns off the streets to accepting surrendered firearms. New York is safer thanks to these programs, and I thank Attorney General James for leading the way on gun safety and gun buyback programs."

"Every gun off of New York streets is a person, family, and community saved from potential tragedy," said Senator Zellnor Myrie. "While there is more work to be done, removing 10,000 guns and driving gun violence to historic lows is worth commending and building on, and I look forward to the continued partnership and leadership of Attorney General James in doing whatever it takes to keep New Yorkers safe."

"I commend Attorney General James for this important work," said Senator Roxanne Persaud. "Gun violence is an all-too-common issue that affects every corner of our state, and buyback events like these help make sure guns are not falling into the hands of the wrong people. We must end this epidemic of senseless violence, because every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their community."

"Every gun taken off our streets is a step toward a safer community," said Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Through Attorney General James' gun buybacks, 10,000 guns have been successfully removed from our communities. I want to thank the Attorney General for her steadfast commitment to fight the gun violence that continues to plague our neighborhoods and in doing so, building a New York where every resident can feel safe in our communities."

"Reaching this milestone is a reminder that preventing gun violence requires a commitment to action, partnership, and keeping our communities safe," said Senator Chris Ryan. "By providing people with a safe, responsible way to surrender unwanted firearms, these buyback events help reduce the risk of tragedies before they happen. I thank Attorney General James and our law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to protect New Yorkers and build safer communities for our families."

"More than 10,000 guns are off our streets. That is 10,000 fewer chances for a tragedy," said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. "Every gun turned in makes a neighborhood safer. These are voluntary programs, and I appreciate that New Yorkers are responding. Families in Queens and across our state deserve to feel safe at home, at school, and on their way to work. I thank Attorney General James and our law enforcement partners for this work."

"Safe communities are integral to the continued success of our neighborhoods," said Senator Lea Webb. "I continue to be grateful to Attorney General James for all of the hard work she is doing. The success of her Community Gun Buyback program and the removal of 10,000 guns from communities across our state means healthier, happier communities. I appreciate her dedication to the Southern Tier, Upstate New York, and the state as a whole. I will continue working to ensure that our communities are safer and healthier."

"The removal of 10,000 firearms through these buyback programs is a significant milestone in protecting New Yorkers," said New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos. "I thank Attorney General James for her continued leadership in addressing gun violence and helping make our communities safer. Long Island communities have benefited from these efforts, with firearms removed from our neighborhoods helping reduce the risk of violence and tragedy. We must continue to support initiatives that protect our families and build safer communities for generations to come."

"The removal of more than 10,000 firearms through Attorney General James' gun buyback program is an important step toward making our communities safer," said Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson. "Too many of our young people are impacted by gun violence, and we need more proactive efforts like this to prevent innocent lives from being lost. Recently, my district experienced the heartbreaking loss of a young person to gun violence, a tragic reminder of the urgent need for programs that help keep firearms off our streets and out of our communities. I commend Attorney General James for her leadership and commitment to reducing crime and protecting our neighborhoods."

"I applaud the Office of the Attorney General under Attorney General James for reaching this remarkable milestone of collecting over 10,000 firearms through the voluntary gun buyback initiatives," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. "Every gun removed from our streets represents an opportunity to prevent gun violence, protect families, and save lives. As we continue working to make our communities safer, particularly in Brooklyn and across New York City, I applaud Attorney General James for her unwavering commitment to public safety and look forward to continuing our collective efforts to make safer neighborhoods for all New Yorkers."

"In New York, we have one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in the country because we take the issue of gun safety very seriously," said Assemblymember Chris Burdick. "I applaud Attorney General James for her gun buyback program. 10,000 fewer guns in circulation will literally save lives. We in the legislature must continue to work toward our shared goal of a safer New York."

"Taking 10,000 guns off our streets means fewer opportunities for gun violence and more opportunities for brighter futures," said Assemblymember Landon Dais. "I applaud Attorney General James and her office for this accomplishment. Every act of gun violence is one too many, and I will continue to be proactive in the community and support violence interrupters who are making a difference not only in the Bronx, New York, but across the entire country."

"According to the Mass Shooting Tracker, there have been 446 mass shootings in the U.S. this year alone - that's more than one and a half each day," said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. "New Yorkers feel the weight of this violence in our communities, in our schools, and on our streets. The gun buyback program, spearheaded by Attorney General James, is a common-sense way to redirect this violence into community benefit. Ten thousand guns off the streets is a tremendous victory for New Yorkers' safety, and I commend her office's work to make this happen."

"Keeping unwanted firearms out of circulation is a practical step we can take to prevent tragedy before it happens," said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi. "Reaching more than 10,000 guns removed through these buyback events is a meaningful milestone, and I'm grateful to Attorney General James and our law enforcement partners for giving New Yorkers a safe, efficient way to get these weapons out of their homes."

Not sure if this is too late: "Community gun buyback programs give residents a safe and responsible way to dispose of unwanted firearms while helping prevent accidents and keeping them out of the wrong hands," said Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter. "I commend Attorney General James and her community partners for their continued commitment to public safety and providing New Yorkers with this important resource."

"I want to thank Attorney General James and her team for their hard work and dedication in getting guns off the streets," said Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman. "The community buyback program has been an effective tool for getting weapons off the streets and protecting families from gun violence. People in every neighborhood deserve to feel safe. Every weapon off the street is another life saved."

"Gun violence continues to be an epidemic in our country. Our communities deserve better," said Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson. "I have hosted many gun buybacks in my district because every weapon purchased and taken off the street means one less weapon able to get in the wrong hands. I thank Attorney General James for being a partner in our quest for safer communities and applaud her successful efforts to get so many guns off the streets and ensure a safer New York."

"Sometimes a gun stays in a home simply because someone inherited it or no longer uses it and doesn't know how to safely dispose of it," said Assemblymember Anna R. Kelles. "If left unsecured, it can lead to irreversible heartbreak when a child finds it. These voluntary buyback events give people a safe way to remove unwanted firearms, from hunting rifles to assault weapons, and take a step to protect the people around them. I'm grateful to Attorney General James and every community partner and resident who makes this work possible. Choosing to turn in a firearm you no longer want is a responsible decision and an act of care for your family and neighbors."

"I applaud and thank Attorney General James for her gun buyback efforts," said Assemblymember Dana Levenberg. "This work keeps guns from falling into the wrong hands - whether those be the hands of a hardened criminal, a would-be school shooter, or a curious child. We are all safer when there are fewer guns in circulation. Kudos, and keep up the good work!"

"I am encouraged by the community gun buyback efforts that have now helped remove more than 10,000 firearms from our streets across New York," said Assemblymember Nikki Lucas. "This milestone reflects meaningful action, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to protecting our families. As the representative of the 60th Assembly District, which includes East New York, Starrett City, Canarsie, and Brownsville, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of gun violence on our communities. Our residents deserve more than promises; they deserve sustained action that prioritizes their safety. I commend Attorney General James and our law enforcement partners for advancing this important work. We must build on this progress through investments in conflict resolution initiatives, expanded access to mental health services, employment and job training opportunities, and increased youth programming that empowers the next generation. Every family deserves to feel safe at home and on their block, and I will continue fighting to make that a reality."

"These events provide residents with a safe and responsible way to turn in unwanted firearms and help reduce the risk of them falling into the wrong hands," said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. "That is why I supported legislation to make sure these programs could be provided. Reaching the milestone of more than 10,000 firearms collected through New York's community gun buyback program is an important achievement in our ongoing efforts to prevent gun violence and protect our communities. I thank Attorney General James for her continued leadership, as well as our local law enforcement and community partners who help make these programs possible."

"Reaching the 10,000th gun through New York state's Gun Buyback Program is a significant milestone in our collective effort to build safer communities," said Assemblymember Kwani O'Pharrow. "I commend Attorney General Letitia James for her continued commitment to removing unwanted firearms from our streets and helping prevent gun violence. Every gun recovered represents an opportunity to save lives, protect our families, and give our communities greater peace of mind."

"Reaching the milestone of more than 10,000 firearms collected through community gun buyback events demonstrates the importance of providing New Yorkers with safe and responsible ways to remove unwanted guns from their homes and communities," said Assemblymember Gary Pretlow. "Every firearm taken out of circulation is one less that could potentially contribute to violence or tragedy. I commend Attorney General James and her office for their continued partnership with communities across our state and for their commitment to promoting public safety."

"Gun violence has devastated too many families and communities across Queens and throughout New York," said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. "I applaud Attorney General James for reaching this milestone of collecting more than 10,000 guns through voluntary buyback events. Every gun removed from our streets is a step toward safer communities and a future where every family can live without fear of gun violence."

"I am so proud of Attorney General James and her office for reaching the milestone of removing over 10,000 unwanted guns from our communities," said Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero. "It is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when law enforcement, community leaders, and residents work together toward a safer New York. The gun buyback events give individuals a safe and responsible way to turn in unwanted firearms while helping keep these weapons out of our communities. I am happy to see the Attorney General's Office continue its commitment to preventing gun violence and protecting New Yorkers. This milestone reflects the strength of our collective efforts to build safer, stronger communities across New York."

"New York is initiating the most creative and aggressive programs in the nation to combatting crime, I commend Attorney General James for taking guns off the street," said Assemblymember Nader Sayegh. "The impact on lower crime statistics is evident of the leadership of our New York Attorney General."

"Taking 10,000 guns out of the hands of people who don't want them is a huge milestone," said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. "It means 10,000 fewer guns that can end up in our streets or in our homes where little hands can get at them. Voluntary gun buybacks give New Yorkers a safe way to surrender unwanted firearms and help prevent future tragedies. I applaud Attorney General James for her continued work to make our neighborhoods safer."

"Every firearm taken off our streets is an opportunity to prevent violence and protect families," said Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages. "Reaching the milestone of more than 10,000 firearms collected is a clear demonstration of the benefit of proactive, community-based approaches to public safety. We should follow Attorney General James' example and continue to invest in both creative and commonsense solutions to prevent tragedies before they occur. I commend the Attorney General and her law enforcement partners for working to build a safer New York."

"Taking 10,000 guns off our streets is a significant milestone, but more importantly, it means thousands of firearms are no longer able to cause harm in our communities," said Assemblymember Al Taylor. "Every gun removed is another opportunity to prevent tragedy and help families feel safer in the neighborhoods they call home. I commend Attorney General James for her continued leadership and for working with local partners across New York to give people a safe way to turn in unwanted firearms. Keeping our communities safe requires all of us, and efforts like these are an important part of that work."

"Gun violence has devastated too many families in the Bronx and across our country," said Assemblymember Emerita Torres. "I commend Attorney General James and her office for reaching this important milestone of removing 10,000 guns from circulation through their ongoing gun buyback program. In the Bronx, where our communities deserve to feel safe in their homes and on their streets, every gun taken out of circulation is a meaningful step toward preventing tragedy and saving lives. Our families deserve to live without fear, and they deserve leaders who take gun violence seriously and are committed to building safer communities for everyone."

"Gun violence is robbing too many young New Yorkers of their futures and, far too often, their lives," Assemblymember Clyde Vanel. "More than 10,000 guns voluntarily turned in is a remarkable milestone, and I commend Attorney General James for her leadership in keeping our communities safe."

"Like far too many New Yorkers, I know the pain of gun violence," said Assemblymember Latrice Walker. "My older brother, Mark, was killed in Brownsville in 1987, when I was just a little girl. So, I know quite intimately that every gun turned in represents a family spared heartache. I commend Attorney General James for her continued efforts to get guns off the streets. I will keep fighting in Albany for common sense measures that keep our communities safe."

"I commend Attorney General James for reaching the monumental milestone of removing 10,000 guns from our streets through these vital buyback programs," said Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright. "These efforts are essential tools in reducing violence and enhancing public safety in neighborhoods across our state. I am proud to stand with the Attorney General in our shared commitment to creating safer, more secure communities for all New Yorkers."

"Every gun taken off the streets is one less opportunity for tragedy and another step toward making our communities safer," said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. "Removing more than 10,000 firearms from circulation in New York State is a significant milestone and a testament to Attorney General James' continued commitment to public safety. We are proud to stand with Attorney General James in our shared mission to protect families, prevent gun violence, and keep New Yorkers safe."

"Every gun turned in represents a potential life saved, and our neighborhoods feel the impact," said Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens. "These buybacks show that when communities come together with a shared commitment to safety, real progress is possible. We're proud to stand with our partners across New York in building a safer future for our families."

"Buffalo knows the devastating toll gun violence takes on families and neighborhoods, and preventing it requires action at every level," said Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan. "By collecting more than 10,000 firearms, Attorney General James has given New Yorkers a safe way to dispose of unwanted guns and helped keep those weapons from falling into the wrong hands. I thank her for her continued partnership in building safer communities."

"We are proud to work with Attorney General James to get more guns off our streets," said White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch. "These efforts demonstrate the public's willingness to take part in keeping our neighborhoods safe and reflect our shared commitment to protecting everyone in our community. We are grateful to Attorney General James for her continued leadership on this important issue."

"I am proud to stand with Attorney General James in the fight to turn the tide against gun violence in Schenectady and across New York," said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. "Gun buyback events allow New Yorkers the opportunity to turn in unwanted firearms and make our homes and communities safer for everyone. I thank Attorney General James for her commitment to protecting all New Yorkers."

"On behalf of the City of Kingston, I want to thank Attorney General James for her steadfast effort to remove unwanted guns from our city streets through her ambitious efforts to partner with local law enforcement in communities like Kingston," said Kingston Mayor Steven T. Noble. "I have seen firsthand the benefits of this program and am proud that together we continue to see a decrease in gun-related crime in our community."

"This announcement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing work to strengthen public safety and remove these illegal firearms from our communities," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Too many of our residents live under the threat of gun violence in their neighborhoods. By removing these weapons, we are restoring trust, rebuilding hope, and reclaiming our streets from that threat. 10,000 guns are 10,000 too many, and as we celebrate this accomplishment, we also know there is still more work to be done to rid our streets of these illegal weapons. I want to thank Attorney General James for her leadership on this issue and for being a partner in this fight to keep our communities safe."

"I congratulate Attorney General James on her landmark gun buyback campaign, which has taken a record 10,000 guns off New York's streets," said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "Attorney General James has been relentless in her efforts to keep Manhattanites safe, and I'm grateful for her leadership in helping to end the scourge of gun violence across our borough."

"We are very proud to partner with State Attorney General James and our local law enforcement partners in organizing gun buybacks in Queens County and congratulate her on achieving the removal of 10,000 guns off the streets of New York," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. "Each gun removed from our streets represents a step toward safer neighborhoods and fewer opportunities for violence. I congratulate the Attorney General and her team for their relentless focus on making communities across New York state safer."

"Despite the fact that Staten Island recorded historic decreases in violent crime and shootings just last year, the scourge of illegal firearms and gun violence remains a serious concern for the men and women of my office," said Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. "And while prosecuting gun-toting defendants who carry, brandish, and utilize illegal firearms will always be my office's top priority, removing these deadly weapons from our streets through prevention efforts is critically important as well. Thanks to New York Attorney General James, over 10,000 guns have been taken off of our streets, and I commend Attorney General James for her partnership and continued commitment to ridding communities across the Empire State of dangerous firearms."

"When unwanted firearms fall into the wrong hands, the results can be devastating - for individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods," said Buffalo Councilmember Zeneta Everhart. "Our communities cannot afford to ignore the issue of firearm access, as we know there is a direct link between the availability of guns and rates of gun violence. By continuing to take in unwanted firearms through buyback programs, Attorney General James is helping to make our communities safer and save lives. I'm deeply grateful for her leadership in getting guns off our streets and continuing to drive down rates of violent crime across our state."

"Keeping firearms out of the wrong hands is a critical step toward protecting our families and strengthening our communities," said Onondaga County Clerk Emily Essi Bersani. "Gun buyback events provide a safe way to surrender firearms while helping reduce the risk of gun-related tragedies. I believe that public safety is a shared responsibility, and I applaud Attorney General James for her leadership and continued commitment to initiatives that help protect New Yorkers and make our communities safer. I also commend the law enforcement agencies and community partners who are essential to these efforts!"

"Every gun taken off our streets is a gun that cannot be used in a crime or mental health emergency," said Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion. "With her community gun buyback programs, Attorney General James is genuinely saving lives. I am grateful for her efforts and appreciate her continued support of Syracuse and communities across New York state."

"Safety is built over time through steady, responsible choices and buyback events offer one more option for families who want to part with firearms," said Onondaga County Legislature Chair Nicole Watts. "A number of neighbors I represent in the 9th District have witnessed or experienced violence in their lives. They and other members of our community understand what weapons can take from a family. I thank Attorney General James for using the events as a practical tool for removing guns from homes. The Legislature values her office's partnership in addressing gun safety, reducing violence, and building a culture of shared responsibility across our region and New York."

"Behind every number in this announcement is a family that gets to keep someone they love," said Onondaga County Legislature Majority Leader Nodesia R. Hernandez. "In the Syracuse neighborhoods I represent, gun violence is more than a statistic. It's a name people know and grieve. I watched our family grieve as we lost two members to gun violence. It touches everyone: elected, civilian, and even law enforcement. Gun buybacks give residents a safe and secure way to get an unwanted firearm out of their home. That can prevent accidents with irreversible consequences. I'm grateful to Attorney General James for her leadership and for investing in communities across New York."

"I agree with the Attorney General, removing 10,000 guns off of our streets is a tremendous feat but this is just the beginning," said Syracuse Councilor Helen Hudson. "We will continue to work to remove all illegal guns out of our communities. Removing these guns saves lives and prevents another family from living the grief of losing their loved one to gun violence."

"As a pastor, community leader, and Councilman-at-Large, I believe every family deserves to feel safe and every child deserves the chance to grow up free from gun violence," said Newburgh Councilmember-at-Large Robert McLymore. "Removing more than 10,000 firearms from our communities is an important milestone, but our work to protect families and save lives must continue. I believe every life is valuable and every community has a right to the resources and support necessary to thrive. I commend Attorney General James for her leadership and commitment to protecting lives throughout New York state. We must continue working together to build safer communities for our families and future generations because public safety is a shared responsibility, and saving lives must always be our priority."

"The gun violence epidemic has plagued New Yorkers for generations, and addressing it requires meaningful action to make our communities safer," said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman. "Gun buyback programs are one important tool in reducing the number of firearms on our streets, and I commend Attorney General James and her office for collecting more than 10,000 guns through these efforts. This milestone represents an important step toward building safer communities and preventing gun violence across New York."

"Gun violence is tearing communities apart across our nation," said New York City Councilmember Susan Zhuang. "As a mom, I believe we must prioritize the safety of our children by taking meaningful steps to reduce access to firearms. I want to thank Attorney General James for her efforts to get these guns off our streets and make our neighborhoods safer."

"Buyback events like the one led by the Attorney General's office are an effective way to both reduce the risk of gun violence and engage communities in collective action to keep us all safer," said New York Jewish Agenda Executive Director Rabbi Margo Hughes-Robinson. "10,000 guns out of homes and communities across the state is a significant milestone and is an important step in concert with broad community safety initiatives to support a New York state where we all can thrive."