City of Houston: Gun buyback event was a success
Lines of automobiles could possibly be seen wrapped across the block at Wheeler Baptist Avenue Church in southeast Houston the place the event was held.
HOUSTON — The city of Houston’s first annual gun buyback event drew a whole lot of folks on Saturday.
Lines of automobiles could possibly be seen wrapped across the block at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in southeast Houston the place the event was held.
“I bought a shotgun and a .32,” mentioned Marvin Washington.
“It’s an outdated .22, but it surely’s like 50 years outdated, but it surely’s been laying round,” mentioned Brian Carr.
Community members surrendering their firearms had completely different again tales however shared one frequent purpose.
“Man, it’s so loopy out right here. The extra weapons we get off the streets the higher it’s, making an attempt to get one thing constructive achieved,” mentioned Washington.
“It’s an excessive amount of crime going proper now. We simply thought we may do no matter we will to assist,” mentioned Carr.
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That’s precisely what metropolis leaders are hoping to perform.
The don’t ask, don’t inform buyback program is one of the most recent efforts underneath Mayor Turner’s “One Safe Houston” initiative to fight violent crime. The event was placed on in collaboration with the Houston Police Department and Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
“This 9-millimeter is one of the guns that’s been taken in, we’ve taken in ghost guns, rifles, automatics. The program is working, gift cards being handed out,” Mayor Turner mentioned.
For every gun surrendered, present playing cards as much as $200 {dollars} got out.
The overwhelming turnout additionally drew out folks making an attempt to purchase weapons from these within the line, one thing Mayor Turner immediately addressed.
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“There had been some folks going up and down the traces saying we pays you greater than the town and the county are prepared to pay you, with no background checks, and thoughts you, it’s not essentially unlawful and that’s a loophole within the course of,” he mentioned.
The setback couldn’t overshadow this system’s success.
“I knew it was going to be a lot however even I did not suppose this many individuals on the primary time,” mentioned Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.
City leaders say one other gun buyback event is already within the works.
