A weekend gun buyback event in Los Angeles has yielded some unexpected weaponry, including a pair of rocket pistols and a military rocket launcher – sans rocket - that were turned in for gift cards. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa displayed the 1,673 firearms that were brought in during the fourth annual buyback, among them rifles, handguns, shotguns and assault weapons.
As part of the program run by the mayor's Gang Reduction and Youth Development Office, individuals could turn in their firearms and ammunition anonymously, with no questions asked.
In exchange, they received $200,000 worth of Ralph's grocery store gift cards or Visa per-paid cards for varying amounts depending on the gun type -- up to $200 for assault weapons, and up to $100 for handguns, rifles and shotguns.
Officials hoped that hosting the buyback on Mother’s Day would prompt more people to trade in their weapons, according to the TV station KTLA. Read More
