Buyback program in Hudson nets 45 guns

HUDSON, N.Y. >> A gun buyback event in this Columbia County city, sponsored by the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the Columbia Sheriff’s Office, netted 45 handguns and rifles Sunday.

Attorney General Letitia James said in a press release that law enforcement officials accepted unloaded guns, working or not, in exchange for compensation on site.

The buyback resulted in 20 handguns, six nonworking guns and an assault weapon being exchanged for prepaid gift cards, James said.

James said Sunday’s event was part of an ongoing effort by the state AG’s office to combat gun violence and protect New Yorkers throughout the state.

“Getting guns off the streets and out of communities is a common-sense way to help protect New Yorkers from gun violence and save lives,”James said in a prepared statement. “Through our partnership with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, we successfully removed 45 guns from the city of Hudson and the surrounding communities. “In our ongoing efforts against gun violence, we held nine gun buybacks and took more than 1,000 guns out of neighborhoods throughout the state this past year.”

Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf said he feels the event was a success.

“The availability to drop off a firearm with no questions asked allows law enforcement to get guns off the street, get firearms that are in questionable condition turned in for destruction, and also affords the possibility of reuniting a stolen or lost firearm with the rightful owner,” Krapf said. “We look forward to continuing to keep our community safe and assist our citizens in any way we can.”