Orange County Schedules Gun Buy-Back June 22

Orange County is holding a Gun Buy Back program in June. June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, announced Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, City of Newburgh Police Chief Doug Solomon, and Major Pierce Gallagher of the New York State Police.

The officials of the three agencies said the buy-back will take place June 22.

“Our gun buy-back is a great opportunity to get guns off the street,” said Solomon in the announcement. “These types of programs are also helpful in preventing innocent people from being injured by gunfire. We would rather people turn in a gun they no longer have a need for rather than run the risk of having it stolen during a burglary and ending up in the wrong hands.”

Anyone who brings in a gun will receive a Walmart gift card valued at up to $150, depending on the type of gun surrendered.

Walmart is selling the agencies the gift cards at a discounted rate.

Those surrendering operable assault weapons will receive a gift card in the amount of $150. Those surrendering operable handguns, or modified rifles or shotguns, will receive gift cards in the amount of $100.00. Those surrendering rifles, shotguns, antique, or non-working firearms will receive gift cards in the amount of $25.

Guns must be unloaded and brought in a plastic or paper bags to be surrendered. Guns being transported in a car must be unloaded and transported in the trunk of the vehicle.

There is no limit on the number of weapons surrendered. Active or retired law enforcement officers or licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate in the program.

No identification is required to surrender any weapon, and no questions will be asked of the person dropping off the firearm.

Under the New York State Penal Law, a person who voluntarily surrenders a weapon to the police at the Gun Buy Back Program, in accordance with the terms and conditions described above, receives immunity for the unlawful possession of the weapon, although not for other crimes which they may have committed using the weapon.

Officials thanked Walmart for its support.

“We are committed to reducing gun violence in the City of Newburgh and gun buy back programs are one part of the equation in doing so,” said Hoovler. “June being Gun Violence Awareness Month make this a perfect time to run this program and I commend the City of Newburgh Police Department and the New York State Police for joining with my Office on this program. I encourage everyone who is burdened with possessing an illegal gun to take advantage of this program. Individuals who carry an illegal gun in Orange County under my Office’s policy faces a minimum of 3 ½ years in state prison. Ultimately, every illegal gun we remove from the streets makes Orange County a little safer.”

WHAT: Gun Buy Back Program

WHEN: Between 11 A.M. and 4 P.M. June 22

WHERE: City of Newburgh Community Center, 401 Washington St., Newburgh, New York

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