Buyback program nets 365 firearms, despite gun advocates' efforts [View all]

[Grave Grumbler]

Last edited Sat Sep 1, 2012, 01:00 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120830/METRO01/208300402/1361/Detroit-church-hosting-gun-buyback-today



A firearm buyback program organized by Catholic church officials and Detroit police netted 365 weapons Thursday, but the event had some tense moments as gun-rights advocates set up shop nearby and offered to buy the weapons themselves.  
The event put on by the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department drew a steady stream of people to St. Cecilia Catholic Church's gymnasium, where organizers paid residents wishing to hand over their firearms to police.  
Organizers of the event paid out $16,820 to people who got rid of the firearms. The Archdiocese of Detroit collected about $20,000 through donations at area Catholic churches to fund the buy-back program.

Across the street from the church's gym off Livernois near Grand River, right-to-carry gun advocates, with their handguns openly strapped to their waists, set up their own gun buyback program. They say Michigan law allows them to buy guns from the public.  They also said anyone can buy a rifle from another individual, and anyone with a Concealed Pistol License can buy a handgun from another person. The gun advocates produced paperwork, which they say they have to turn in to Michigan State Police whenever they purchase a handgun from someone.

(edited down to respect copyright)

In the picture, check out the gun the guy is turning in...is that an orange tip at the end of the barrel?  That would mean he's turning in a toy.  Boy, I sure feel safer knowing that dangerous weapon is off the street!