Mount Vernon Will Host Gun Buyback At Church On Saturday

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Officials will be taking guns off the streets this weekend through a voluntary program that will reward those who turn in firearms.

The City of Mount Vernon, in collaboration with the Office of the New York State Attorney Letitia James, will be hosting a gun buyback event at Greater Centennial AME Zion Church on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guns will be accepted "no questions asked" and no identification is required, according to officials.

Guns must be transported to the drop-off site in the trunk of a car, unloaded and in a plastic or paper bag or box. Both working and non-working firearms will be accepted, and there is no limit on the number of firearms an individual can return, but the maximum payment is $1,000 per person.

Licensed gun dealers and active or retired law enforcement officers are not eligible for the program.

Money for the program comes from funds recovered through forfeitures and other prosecutions.

The event will be providing compensation by debit card for firearms returned on site:

• $25 for antique or non-working, replica, homemade antique firearms or 3D printed guns
• $50 for standard rifles and shotguns
• $500 for handgun ($500 for the first and $150 for each additional)
• $500 for assault weapons or ghost guns