Advertisement

In wake of deadly Isla Vista shootings, L.A. hosts annual gun buyback

Hundreds of people in cars waited for hours to exchange their guns for monetary gift cards in December 2012 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Area. Hundreds of rifles, shotguns, handguns and assault weapons were sold to the Los Angeles Police Department in what has become an annual event.
(Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)
Share via

Los Angeles officials will host a gun buyback program on Saturday, one week after an Isla Vista man killed six people and wounded 13 near the campus of UC Santa Barbara.

“The tragedy in Santa Barbara reminded us of the horrors of gun violence,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti of the May 23 attacks by Elliot Rodger near UCSB.

He said the buyback “gives Angelenos the opportunity to help make our city safer by taking these guns off the street so they don’t fall into the hands of criminals or children.”

Advertisement

People will be able to anonymously return firearms in exchange for up to $200 in Ralphs grocery gift cards at four locations in the L.A. area.

The Los Angeles Police Department Gun Unit will be on site to determine the types of firearms surrendered. An assault weapon can get up to $200, and a handgun, rifle or shotgun can get up to $100.

Authorities will collect weapons between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa St.; the Park & Ride Parking Lot, 1300 W. Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington; 2379 W. Washington Blvd.; and at the Van Nuys Masonic Temple, 14750 Sherman Way.

Advertisement

According to the city, nearly 12,000 guns have been turned in since the buyback program began in 2009.

Advertisement