Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, California, USA announced the success of a recently concluded gun buyback program, which has removed 2,500 weapons from the streets.

With cash incentives offered, the program awarded nearly US$200,000 to participants. As thousands of people relinquished their firearms, many received supermarket gift or pre-paid credit cards, with some who voluntarily surrendered them without compensation.

Mayor Villaraigosa said that the disposal of so many arms freed both the streets and the communities of their dangers.

Hats off, Honorable Mayor Villaraigosa and all community members for your noble efforts to create a safer society. May all leaders and municipalities act similarly toward the goal of a peaceful weapon-free globe.

http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/05/10/la-mayor-displays-2500-guns-citys-buyback-program/
http://californianewswire.com/2010/05/11/CNW7360_174951.php