This Saturday, Los Angeles County residents will witness the 16th exchange of arms for promises of peace in the form of gift cards. Supervisor Janice Hahn, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Norwalk Station, is hosting a gun buyback event at the Community Resource Center in South Whittier. Intended to reduce the number of firearms in circulation, the event encourages local individuals to surrender their guns, no questions asked, from 9 am to 1 pm.
According to a statement obtained by the official announcement, the Supervisor has seen the collection of over 2,600 firearms through these initiatives. "Over and over again, the success of these buyback events has proven that our communities want a chance to play a role in making their own homes and streets safer," Hahn said. The events leading up to this one have taken place across significant localities, including Lynwood, Norwalk, and Long Beach. All have seen a relinquishing of weapons that might have otherwise found themselves discharged in anger or misfortune.
Safety remains paramount for all involved. Those participating should not arrive by foot or public transit. Weapons must be carefully transported, unloaded, and placed in the trunks of vehicles. The guidelines are strict to ensure the well-being of both the public and the officers on duty.
In exchange for their firearms, participants can expect varying denominations of gift cards. They will be met with gratification reflective of the tool surrendered; $50 for non-functioning firearms, $100 for standard operating pistols, rifles, and shotguns, and up to $300 for assault rifles. Home-built firearms, including ghost guns, could fetch a $200 reward. Each exchanged arm, especially those fashioned by the hand that delivered it, will be evaluated for value on the day of the event. However, the supply of gift cards is finite, so availability may sway the day's success.
For more details on the event and the specific exchange rates for different firearm types, interested residents can do well to download the full-page flyer linked on the county's official page. Footage from the previous Long Beach event is also available, providing a visual representation of how these buybacks unfold, thanks to LA36.
