Kelly Calls Queens Gun Buyback Event One Of The Most Successful

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A gun buyback event in Queens over the weekend was one of the most successful since the program began, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said on Monday.

More than 500 weapons were turned in on Saturday at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jamaica.

"Among the firearms taken out of circulation this weekend were an AK 47, a TEC-9, a Calico 9mm with a 50 round magazine," Kelly said.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reports

Other guns turned in included 245 revolvers, 168 semi-automatic pistols, 31 shotguns and 35 rifles.

"Each gun taken off the street is a gun that no longer has the potential to be used to kill," Kelly said.

Since the program began, more than 8,200 guns have been turned in.

"This program continues to be an example of how the police, clergy and community work together to take guns off our streets and ultimately save lives," Kelly said, stressing that there's still a lot of work to be done. "There are still far too many illegal guns on our streets and every shooting is one too many."

People who turned in guns received $200 bank cards, no questions asked.

Kelly said there is also a $1,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest of someone with an illegal gun.

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