Tribe collects 13 guns at first “gun buy back”

In a new initiative to help make Akwesasne safer, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe held a “gun buy back” for the first time Saturday, inviting all community members to anonymously turn over unwanted or unsafe guns. A total of 13 handguns and rifles were collected.

“I would like to say that this is a start,” said Tribal Sub-Chief Ron LaFrance. “People need to be responsible for cleaning up their backyards. We can’t rely on the government to do it. It has to start with the people.”

Those dropping off guns were instructed to have the weapon in the trunk of their vehicle for removal. The guns were then appraised on site and a gift certificate to IGA was given to the anonymous participant. The value of the gift certificate was based on the value of the gun.

“We had a gun that was never fired that fetched a $100 gift certificate,” said LaFrance.

LaFrance said the event resulted in more gun drops than he expected, although no assault weapons were turned in.

“I think what’s important is that we’ve gained people’s trust so I think the next time we do there might be a lot more,” he said.

LaFrance said there will likely be a second gun buy back in six months.