Mayor Villaraigosa moves up gun buyback program in wake of Newtown tragedy

Gun owners can trade in their weapons in exchange for groceries

POSTED: 07:22 AM PST Dec 26, 2012    UPDATED: 07:22 AM PST Dec 26, 2012 
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -

Los Angeles police are offering groceries for guns in a buyback program that was moved up in the wake of the Connecticut tragedy.

Police officials will be accepting weapons today at the LA Memorial Sports Arena and the Van Nuys Masonic Temple.
 
Weapons can be turned in with no questions asked. Handguns, rifles and shotguns can be exchanged for $100 Ralphs grocery store gift cars. Automatic weapons will earn a $200 card.
 
The program, designed to get guns off the streets, usually is held in May. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa accelerated it in the wake of the Dec. 14 shooting that killed 26 people at a Newton, Conn. School.

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