Chicago Gun Buy-Back Program Nets 6,705 Weapons

A record number of gun owners turned in their guns to city officials, for a $100 incentive. Reportedly 6,705 weapons were turned in for the "no questions asked" program to get guns off the streets of Chicago.

Officials of the City of Chicago have been attempting to get guns off the streets of Chicago by offering a $100 pre-paid gift card for each weapon that is turned in.

People who turned in weapons were asked no questions as they surrendered their weapons. Mayor Richard Daley said there would be no questions asked of the people who dropped of dangerous weapons.

In a news conference prior to the event, Mayor Richard Daily said "One of the best crime fighting strategies at our disposal is very simple - getting guns off our streets...and out of the hands of people who, unfortunately, would misuse them." as quoted in an article by Gatehouse News Service (sj-r.com).

The third "Don't' Kill a Dream, Save a Life" programs was pronounced a huge success, with 6,705 guns and assault weapons turned in.

Families who have lost loved ones to gun violence appealed to Chicago residents to turn in guns. Families who lost a family members due to gun violence got the message out to the public. Families effectively made emotional pleas to the public, as they spoke of their tragic losses due to gun violence.

More than 20 churches and faith institutions across the city participated as drop off locations for the event.

A similar buyback program that took place in December, 2006 netted 1,500 guns. In April, 2006 3,000 guns were collected. People are encouraged to turn in their guns with no questions asked. The goal of the program is the get guns off the street to curb the murder rate.

Gun collection center were overwhelmed by the response, and ran out of the pre-paid MasterCards that were handed out as an incentive. After the cards were depleted, vouchers were handed out. The vouchers can be redeemed for Master Cards this weekend.

Weapons turned in includes guns, pistols, rifles, revolvers, rifles and assault rifles. BB Guns were turned in for a $10 incentive. All turned in weapons will be destroyed.