In a disturbing, yet somehow calming, story out of Los Angeles we are reminded that people do still have rocket launchers on the street. The city of LA holds a gun buyback program each year on Mothers Day, but it was moved up a few months due to the tragedy in Newtown. The simple way the buyback works is that if you bring in guns to one of the two buyback spots in LA, you will receive Ralph’s gift cards in exchange.
According to the LA Times:
“As you can see to my right and left, these weren’t just guns that weren’t functioning any more,” Villaraigosa said at a news conference Thursday morning. “These were serious gun — semi-automatic weapons, guns that have no place on the streets of Los Angeles or any other city.
The mayor described the event as a success, but acknowledged there still many guns on the streets.
Hundreds lined up in cars to get Ralphs gift cards in exchange for different types of guns. Villaraigosa said the LAPD collected 901 handguns, 698 rifles, 363 shotguns and 75 assault weapons. The weapons will be melted down.
“Perhaps the most honest testament to the success of yesterday’s program can be seen in the 166 weapons that were surrendered for nothing,” Villaraigosa said.
Police Chief Charlie Beck said it was the most successful gun buyback event since the city began the program.
Just a couple of quick notes.
1 – I would be scared as hell to be anywhere near these buyback places
2 – Somehow has a ROCKET LAUNCHER?!?!?!?!
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