E. Palo Alto's 2nd Shot at Gun Buyback
EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. (KCBS)- A second annual gun buyback program was held in East Palo Alto.
This year's event is already more popular that the original.
Cars arrived in front of East Palo Alto's City Hall to unload guns, which were then removed by police, no questions asked.
East Palo Alto Mayor David Woods explained that the idea for the buyback program was conceived after a two-year-old child was shot and killed with a weapon that was stored in the garage.
Last year 49 guns were turned in within four hours.
More than 50 guns were turned in during the first hour of this year's program.
Those who turned in guns were given a $100 Visa gift card and then the guns are destroyed.
It's expected that they will easily reach 100 guns at this pace.
The mayor said they will issue I.O.U.'s if necessary.
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"I think it might be the economy. A lot of it has to do with attitudes with residents of East Palo Alto. It's no longer business as usual," said Mayor Woods.
Many turning in guns did not want to be recorded for an interview, but gave numerous reasons for ditching their weapons.
One man said he wanted to get rid of guns his son, who's in prison, asked him to store. The man said having the guns in his house made him nervous.
Another said he used to use the gun for sport, but that he's turning it in to please his wife.
The buyback was held until 2 p.m. Saturday.
