The fight against gun violence takes a practical step forward as New York Attorney General Letitia James announces a significant haul of firearms during a gun buyback event in Bohemia. In partnership with the New York State Police and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, James' office oversaw the collection of 111 guns, a move hailed as a stride toward enhanced community safety. Past events like this one form part of James' larger gun control efforts, which have successfully removed over 8,400 guns from circulation since 2019.

"Gun buyback events empower local community members to be a part of the solution against gun violence and turn in unwanted firearms with no questions asked," James said, according to a press release. She emphasized that "every one of the guns collected today is an effort to keep New Yorkers safe from the scourge of gun violence facing our communities." A detailed count from the Bohemia event included 11 assault weapons, 51 handguns, and 39 long guns, all of which are now out of potential circulation

Local politicians and law enforcement shared James' sentiments on the positive impact of the gun buyback program. Senator Monica Martinez, while appreciating the collective effort, mentioned, "These weapons, when left unsecured or forgotten, can lead to devastating tragedies.” Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos, leaning on his experience as a former police detective, stressed the importance of such initiatives in building safer neighborhoods and removing dangerous weapons from circulation, as stated in the Attorney General's release.

Additional support came from Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. who said, "Buyback programs are a proven tool in reducing gun violence by removing illegal and unwanted firearms from our streets." He extended thanks to Attorney General James and the New York State Police for their partnership on this important initiative, according to a press release from the Attorney General's office.