In his State of the City Address in February, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton announced the launch of a gun buy-back program that will provide residents an opportunity to voluntarily turn in unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards.

In partnership with Stanton, the Phoenix Police Department, Arizonans for Gun Safety, and faith-based organizations, the gun buy-back effort will provide three centralized locations in May where firearms can be turned in anonymously, no questions asked. In North Central, the buy-back will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, May 4, 11 and 18 at the Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, 9835 N. 7th St.

Offered will be a $100 gift card for handguns, shotguns and rifles, and a $200 gift card for assault weapons. Additional gift cards will be provided in exchange for “high capacity” magazines but they must accompany the weapon.

All weapons will be checked for lost or stolen status, and if applicable will be returned to their rightful owners.

All other firearms will be prepared for destruction. Weapons that appear to have historical value will be evaluated prior to any decision on destruction following all state laws.

Also at the buy-back event, gunlocks will be given out free of charge along with information on safety tips—all designed to prevent firearm tragedies.

“I respect the Second Amendment,” Stanton said, adding, “This buyback will take steps to make Phoenix safer without curtailing the rights of responsible gun owners.”

Stanton recalled when Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia told him that, “Every unwanted gun we take off the street is one less gun out there to harm our officers or hurt our residents.”

The program is being paid for by private donations and financially coordinated through Arizonans for Gun Safety. For more information, contact Arizonans for Gun Safety at 602-547-0976.

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