"As I understand it, this was the most successful gun buyback program in the United States of America," said L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
LAPD officials said violent crimes are down this year, but most homicides still involve guns.
"You don't know how impactful it is on us. We hurt every second of every second of our lives, but what we do is we keep it pushing because we don't want anybody else to feel the pain that we feel," said community member Vicky Lindsay. Lindsay's son and husband were murdered several years ago.
In exchange for turning in firearms, participants will receive either Ralphs grocery store gift cards or a Visa pre-paid card. They can receive up to $200 for assault weapons and up to $100 for handguns.
People can turn in guns at five locations throughout the city on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drop-off locations:
East Los Angeles
Hollenbeck Area
Legacy LA
1350 N. San Pablo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Valley
Mission Area
Facey Medical Building
11165 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Mission Hills, CA 91345
West Los Angeles
Hollywood Area
Farm Fresh Ranch Grocery Store
5520 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
South Los Angeles
Harbor Area
Park & Ride Parking Lot
1300 W Pacific Coast Highway
Wilmington, CA 90744
77th Area
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
7900 S. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90047
Note: Transport firearms unloaded and in the trunk of the vehicle.
