Arverne, Queens – This past week, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Arverne), joined Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and the NYPD 100th and 101st precincts for their ‘Gun Buyback’ program at Macedonia Baptist Church located at 330 Beach 67th street in Arverne, Queens. The event was one of several that DA Katz and the NYPD have hosted throughout the borough to help combat gun violence. 44 guns were received at this event alone. Those who turned in operable handguns received bank cards for $200, no questions asked. Rifles, shotguns, pellet and air guns were worth $25 apiece, but individuals were only able to turn in up to three.

“This was an incredible event hosted by DA Katz and the NYPD as they work to combat increasing gun violence in our community in a tangible and meaningful way. Forty-four guns off the streets is a significant number and will save countless lives,” Pheffer Amato said. “Programs like this are so vital as they incentivize the turning in dangerous weapons with no questions asked.”