Los Angeles is trying to get the guns off the streets. Their now annual gun buyback program – which netted more than 2,000 weapons last year – returned and was off to an immediate success.
The program offers the opportunity for residents to bring in guns to six locations throughout the city and exchange them for gift cards to Ralphs, a grocery store. The weapons are taken with no questions asked – even if the weapon itself is illegal. Last year, someone turned in an anti-tank rocket launcher.
The weapons are either reconnected with their rightful owners (in the event a serial number returns as a stolen weapon) or is melted down. Guns can be worth as much as $200 through the program.
From the LA Daily News:
Authorities were hoping to net about 2,000 weapons in the city’s annual gun buyback program Saturday, but the total tally of firearms that locals exchanged for gift cards won’t be available until Monday, according to officials.
The program, in its fourth year and held on Mother’s Day weekend, is aimed at cutting down on shootings by allowing people to turn in the weapons – no questions asked – at six locations around the city, including Facey Medical Center in Mission Hills.
Read the full article here.