More than a dozen guns collected in buyback on Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More than a dozen firearms were turned in during a gun buyback held by authorities in Tompkinsville on Saturday.

The event, hosted by the NYPD, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and Assemblyman Charles Fall, was held at Mt. Sinai United Christian Church.

Community members who brought weapons were able to remain anonymous, with a “no questions asked” policy in effect.

The event was part of the effort to combat gun violence on Staten Island.

“Despite the rain, over a dozen firearms were turned in at today’s Cash for Guns event! 25% of which had defaced serial numbers indicating possible prior use in serious criminal activity,” McMahon said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thanks to the NYPD, AM Fall & Mt. Sinai United Christian Church for your partnership!”

Fall (D-North Shore), who noted that gun violence has doubled in his district, said “each firearm turned in is a potential life saved.”

The X account for the NYPD of Staten Island, shared similar sentiments.

“At today’s ‘Gun Buy-Back,’ we received over a dozen firearms, along with strengthening bonds between law enforcement and community,” the account said.

For the varying firearms, different incentives were given to those who turned them in.

Each…