Mangano & Rice Take 330 Illegal Guns Off Nassau County Streets

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and District Attorney Kathleen Rice today announced the success of a Gun Buy Back Program hosted this past Saturday at Grace Cathedral in Uniondale in which 330 illegal guns were taken off Nassau County streets. Guns removed from local communities include 195 handguns, 15 assault rifles, 7 sawed off shotguns, two Tec-9’s and more.

The Gun Buy Back Program is strictly anonymous and individuals were paid $100 cash for every turned in operable rifle, $200 cash for each turned in operable handgun and $400 cash for each turned in operable assault rifle. Not accepted were: licensed guns, BB Guns, air pistols, long guns and replicas.

“The Gun Buyback Program, using asset forfeiture dollars, has taken over 2,613 guns off our streets before they fell into the wrong hands,” said County Executive Mangano. “Community support is critical to the success of this program, and we appreciate the members of the clergy who have participated in this effort to take even more fire arms off our streets. By working together, we can ensure that Nassau County remains the safest suburban County in the nation.”

"Gun violence has ended far too many promising young lives, torn close-knit families apart, and held once-thriving neighborhoods hostage," Rice said. "We must do whatever we can to reduce the threat of gun violence and get dangerous firearms off the streets. Every single taken in at this weekend's buyback event means one less weapon that can be stolen, found by a child, or used in the commission of a crime. I am proud to work with my fellow law enforcement agencies, members of the clergy, and community organizations to do whatever we can to eliminate gun violence in our neighborhoods."

“The Gun Buy Back program, our ShotSpotter Program and our GunStoppers Program have been very effective in decreasing gun related crime here in Nassau County,” said Police Commissioner Tom Dale.

Forfeiture funds from the Nassau County Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office are utilized to fund the Gun Buy Back Program.