New York City destroys more than 3,500 seize illegal firearms

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch celebrated the destruction of 3,375 seized illegal handguns and 200 rifles on Thursday. This event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in the city. The weapons were loaded onto a conveyor belt and fed into a gun chipper to be turned into scrap metal and recycled.

During a press conference, Mayor Adams expressed his relief that these illegal guns will no longer pose a threat to the safety of New York City residents. He emphasized the importance of removing these weapons from circulation to prevent further harm to families and children. Commissioner Tisch echoed his sentiments, stating that the guns belonged in the shredder and not on the streets.

The recycled firearm material will be donated to the School of Cooperative Technical Education (Coop Tech), where students will use it to create a memorial honoring victims and their families affected by gun violence. This symbolic gesture serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of firearms in the community.

In an official statement, Mayor Adams revealed that out of the more than 21,400 guns seized since the beginning of his administration, over 1,400 of them were identified as ghost guns. These unserialized and untraceable firearms are often used by criminals and underage purchasers, posing a serious threat to public safety.

Since 2018, the NYPD has recovered nearly 2,000 ghost guns, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures. Mayor Adams’ “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” outlines his commitment to addressing the crisis of guns on New York City streets and implementing proactive strategies to reduce gun-related incidents.

The NYPD’s Neighborhood Safety Teams, launched in March 2022, are dedicated to preventing gun violence in high-risk areas. These specialized units work closely with community members to identify and address potential threats, ultimately making neighborhoods safer for residents.

Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch reaffirmed their dedication to eradicating gun violence and promoting public safety in New York City. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, they are committed to creating a safer environment for all residents.