Attorney General Letitia James reports successful gun buyback in Syracuse where 638 firearms were collected from the community

Syracuse, New York – In a major step toward reducing gun violence and promoting safer neighborhoods, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that 638 firearms were turned in during a recent gun buyback event in Syracuse. The event was a collaborative effort between the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the New York State Police, and the Syracuse Police Department.

The large turnout underscores the effectiveness of community-led initiatives aimed at removing unwanted and potentially dangerous firearms from homes across the region. Residents were able to anonymously surrender their weapons in exchange for financial compensation, no questions asked — a method that continues to prove successful in reducing the number of guns circulating on the streets.

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“Gun buyback events empower members of local communities and nearby regions to turn in unwanted firearms and be a part of the solution against gun violence,” said Attorney General James. “Every one of the guns we recovered was a potential life saved and a tragedy avoided. I thank the New York State Police, the Syracuse Police Department, and my partners in local government for their commitment to helping protect New Yorkers.”

The collected weapons included a range of firearm types: 130 assault weapons, 333 handguns, 150 long guns, and 2 ghost guns — untraceable firearms typically assembled from kits without serial numbers. These types of weapons pose an especially concerning threat to public safety, making their removal from civilian possession all the more vital.

Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General James has helped remove over 9,000 firearms from communities across the state, a figure that reflects her consistent commitment to public safety and gun violence prevention.

“Gun buybacks have and should continue to be part of our approach in Syracuse,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “For people in possession of guns they no longer want, buybacks provide a safe way to dispose of those weapons, and that’s good for our neighborhoods. I thank Attorney General James for teaming with the Syracuse Police Department to administer this effective program in Syracuse.”

Mayor Walsh emphasized the role these events play in community-building and violence prevention. By creating an accessible and secure process for firearm disposal, the program supports not only law enforcement but also concerned citizens who want to be part of a safer future.

Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile echoed this sentiment, expressing appreciation for the continued collaboration between law enforcement and state officials.

“I would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office for organizing another gun buy back event in the city of Syracuse,” said Chief Cecile. “Events like these, along with other proactive initiatives and the efforts of the hardworking men and women of law enforcement, are the best team strategy for driving gun violence numbers down while protecting our law-abiding citizens.”

The program was also supported by the Syracuse Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence, which works year-round with community partners to address the root causes of firearm-related crimes. Their efforts focus on education, intervention, and direct support for families impacted by gun violence.

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“The Syracuse Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence works with a team of community partners to put an end to the grief and sadness that gun violence creates,” said Lateef Johnson Kinsey, Director of the office. “We share a commitment to get guns off our streets because we know fewer guns will make safer neighborhoods. I’m grateful to Attorney General James for assisting our work with another gun buyback program. Without the help of Attorney General James, we could never undertake such an effort.”

As gun violence continues to impact communities across the country, initiatives like the Syracuse gun buyback offer tangible steps toward progress. While no single program can eliminate the issue entirely, officials agree that each gun removed from circulation reduces the risk of future tragedies.

Attorney General James has indicated that more events are likely to follow in other cities across the state as her office remains focused on tackling gun violence through both legal action and community engagement.

With 638 firearms now out of homes and off the streets, the latest event in Syracuse stands as a testament to what is possible when residents, law enforcement, and public officials work together toward a shared goal: keeping New Yorkers safe.