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ANAHEIM, Calif. (May 13, 2024) — Anaheim saw 350 firearms voluntarily turned in at a gun buyback event on Saturday as families and others took the chance to safely dispose of weapons they no longer needed or wanted.
Firearms turned in included assault rifles, rifles and handguns. They were all safely handed over to Anaheim Police, which will log the weapons before having them melted down.
Those turning in eligible, operating firearms got gift cards ranging from $100 to $300, depending on the type of weapon. Costco, Target, Ralphs and ARCO gas station gift cards were given.
The event, held at the Brookhurst Community Center in west Anaheim, brought in a stunning arsenal of firearms.
Weapons turned in included California-defined assault rifles, short-barreled shotguns, sawed-off shotguns, hunting rifles, a bayonet rifle and scores of handguns, including those without serial numbers and .22-caliber mini revolvers just a few inches in size.
“Helping to securely dispose of unwanted firearms makes our community safer by keeping them from falling into the wrong hands, being used in crime or, heaven forbid, in a tragedy,” Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said. “This is about keeping unwanted guns off our streets and out of our homes while also encouraging safe, lawful and responsible gun ownership. With this event, we all came together to make Anaheim a safer and stronger community.”
Anaheim Police Department, Orange County’s largest city police agency, led the event with weapons handling, security and other support from the Fullerton, Orange, Buena Park, Brea, Placentia and La Habra police departments.
Officers set up drive-thru stations where Anaheim and other residents could easily dispose of unwanted firearms in a safe, secure and convenient setting.
Those handing in firearms received up to $300 in gift cards per vehicles.
Inoperable guns, wood gun devices and ammunition were also taken as a community service with no gift cards given.
The buyback was a chance for Anaheim residents and those in neighboring cities to turn in firearms with no questions asked.
No identification or any other information was asked or required to encourage as many people as possible to turn in unwanted firearms.
By helping to safely dispose of unwanted firearms, Anaheim helps reduce the chance of lethal weapons being stolen, used in crime or in an accidental shooting or suicide tragedy.
The buyback was held with support from the offices of Orange County Supervisors Doug Chaffee and Vicente Sarmiento.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined Mayor Aitken and Supervisors Chaffee and Sarmiento for Saturday’s event.
