POUGHKEEPSIE – Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) has declared his July 8th Poughkeepsie Gun Buyback Event “a huge success that exceeded expectations.” Funded by an Assembly grant and organized in coordination with the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the buyback netted a total of 65 weapons, including 52 working handguns and 2 assault guns.
Assemblymember Jacobson said, “I want to thank Police Chief Thomas Pape, Officer Michael Longbard, and the entire City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for helping to make this weekend’s gun buyback program a huge success. As everyone knows, gun violence rises during the summer months and the number of shootings in the City of Poughkeepsie continues to be an issue of major concern, so I was pleased that so many individuals in our community chose to exchange their guns for gift cards.
“Thanks also to City of Poughkeepsie officials including the Common Council for getting the word out and to Reverend Jesse Bottoms and Beulah Baptist Church for opening their doors for this event. Any day we can get guns off the street is a good day,” Jacobson concluded.
Individuals who turned in weapons received a Visa gift card ranging from $25 for a ghost gun part up to $500 for a working handgun. No questions were asked and no identification was required of those handing in guns.
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