A gun buyback event on Staten Island resulted in the collection of 124 firearms—a record number for the community—during the NYPD's "No Questions Asked, Cash for Guns" program held on Saturday, March 3, 2026. The event, hosted at Calvary Chapel in Mariners Harbor, was coordinated by Senior Pastor David Watson and local law enforcement.
According to reporting on the initiative, the buyback represents the highest turnout for such an event in the area. Gun buyback programs operate on the principle of purchasing firearms from residents without penalty or questions asked, with the intent of removing guns from circulation in communities.
Participants in the program were compensated in cash for surrendered firearms, with the amount varying based on firearm type and condition. Community organizations and law enforcement officials view such programs as one component of broader community safety efforts aimed at reducing firearm-related violence and accidents.
Research on gun buyback program effectiveness presents mixed findings. Some studies suggest that buyback programs can reduce the overall number of guns in circulation, while others note that participants often turn in older or non-functional firearms rather than weapons actively used in crimes. Nevertheless, proponents argue that every firearm removed from a community represents a potential reduction in risk.
The Staten Island event reflects ongoing community engagement in firearm safety initiatives. Similar programs have been conducted in cities across the United States, often coordinated by police departments, community organizations, and civic leaders seeking to address local safety concerns through voluntary firearm removal.