Los Angeles, California – A rainy Friday morning did not deter residents from turning in unwanted firearms at a gun buyback event held April 26 at the Lynwood Metro Station, where Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Century Station and the City of Lynwood, led efforts to reduce gun violence and promote community safety.
The event collected 336 firearms, including 211 pistols, 76 rifles, 44 shotguns, four assault weapons, and even a ghost gun—a privately made, untraceable firearm. Additionally, 35 gun parts and non-functioning weapons were surrendered. Participants received gift cards in exchange for each item without having to provide any identifying information or even leave their vehicles.
Supervisor Hahn praised the community’s turnout despite the inclement weather. “The rain this morning did nothing to slow down our momentum in getting more of these deadly weapons out of our communities,” she said. “I’m so thankful to every person who took us up on this opportunity to get unwanted guns away from their families and out of their homes.”
Held in the Lynwood Metro Park & Ride lot’s parking lot, the buyback marked Hahn’s 14th event since launching the initiative in May 2022 and her third at the Lynwood location. Like previous efforts, this buyback focused on creating a safe, anonymous environment where residents could turn in firearms, no questions asked.
“Thanks to our event, today there are 336 fewer guns out there that could be accidentally discharged, found by a child, or stolen and used to kill in a crime,” Hahn added.
Gun buybacks like this one have become a regular component of Supervisor Hahn’s community safety strategy. Since launching the initiative, she has held events in North Long Beach, Norwalk, Wilmington, Long Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia, Bellflower, Pico Rivera, Torrance, and Lynwood. Her office purchases the gift cards used as incentives, typically offering increasing amounts based on the type of firearm turned in.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the weapons collected are logged and then destroyed, ensuring they can never used again. Officials say the program’s anonymity is a key factor in its success, as it removes barriers that might prevent someone from surrendering a firearm.
Local leaders continue to see these buybacks as one piece of a broader public safety puzzle, especially as cities across the country grapple with rising gun violence and the proliferation of firearms. While critics question their long-term impact, officials in Los Angeles say these events are making a difference — not only by taking guns off the street, but by sending a message about community responsibility and the value of voluntary disarmament.
Supervisor Hahn has not yet announced the date or location of her next event, but her office confirmed that additional buybacks are planned for later this year.
