FRANKLIN SQUARE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Nassau County is heeding the call of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Thursday that the county will hold a gun collection through next Monday as Ukrainian citizens "want to protect themselves" against Russian forces.
He said that his response was a direct result of Zelenskyy's repeated calls for weapons since the conflict began last week.
"President Zelenskyy for the last few days has been begging for weapons, begging for help. How can we sit by silently and not do our part?" he said.
In response, Blakeman said the county will accept unloaded, long guns like rifles, shotguns, AR-15s or "a derivative of the AR-15" at SP Firearms in Franklin Square. Those who don't have a weapon and still want to help can buy one and donate it. Ammunition will not be collected during the drive.
"I have heard from people throughout Nassau County, throughout the region and throughout America they want to help. They want to help these people, they’re in a desperate life and death battle," he said.
While Blakeman is unsure how the Ukrainians will obtain the weapons, he said that the county is looking into "all legal avenues to get these weapons to Ukraine."
"We are legal, law abiding citizens who want to help out," he said. "There is a tremendous amount of red tape in trying to get this to the Ukraine so we're going to need the president's help, we're going to need the help of our partners in federal government. We'll do our part, you do your part."
Blakeman added that he's hoping the federal government will openly accept the county's donation with open arms.
"This is our donation," the executive added. "This is our contribution. We will collect them, President Biden, you get them there. You answer President Zelenskyy's call."
The hours of collection will be Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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