LAPD Gun Buyback Nets Over 2,000 Weapons

A rocket launcher and a Chinese-made AK 47 outfitted with a bayonet were among the 2,062 weapons collected this weekend by the Los Angeles Police Department as part of its annual gun buyback program.

In exchange for the guns, Angelenos received $175,000 in pre-paid Visa cards and Ralphs gift cards.

"It's amazing the things that people have in their homes," Villaraigosa said.

Pointing to the disposal rocket launcher, the mayor quipped, "You can't use that to hunt squirrel."

Los Angeles police officers will check the guns to see if any have been reported stolen. The guns will then be melted down and either recycled or used for art projects.

The 2,062 weapons breakdown by:

• 953 handguns
• 688 rifles
• 330 shotguns
• 91 assault weapons

"This is not a city that's ruled by the gun," said police Chief Charlie Beck.