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Ahhh, May. Time for spring flowers, kicking off the countdown to summer, margaritas for Cinco de Mayo and honoring our moms on Mother's Day. And it's time, once again, for a big ol' gun buyback event in the City of Los Angeles.
Announced today by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck, the city-wide gun buyback will take place at three locations on May 4, at which time those willing to surrender their handguns, rifles, and shotguns can score a Ralphs gift card for up to $100, and those turning in assault rifles can get gift cards of up to $200.
The weapons are turned in with "no questions asked." Authorities then research the guns to determine if they were stolen and/or used in any crimes, otherwise they are destroyed.
The gun buybacks in Los Angeles had waning success since their launch, but that did not deter city officials from having a bonus buyback event over the Christmas holidays in the wake of the Newtown massacre. That event was so well-received that the city ran out of gift cards, and brought in more weapons than the May 2012 event (including two rocket launchers!).
Villaraigosa has previously noted it's not likely these surrendered guns would be used in crimes, but rather could be involved in accidental or self-defense shootings.
The May 4, 2013 gun buyback event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following four locations, according to City News Service:
—The Los Angeles Fire Department's Frank Hotchkin Training Academy at 1700 Stadium Way, Elysian Park
—Park & Ride Parking Lot at 1300 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Wilmington;
—Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church at 7900 S. Western Ave.
—Van Nuys Masonic Building Association at 14750 Sherman Way.
