Virginia City Plagued by Violence to Hold Gun Buyback Event

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (AP) — A Virginia metropolis that has been tormented by violence in latest weeks is planning to carry a gun buyback occasion.

The purpose of the occasion deliberate for June 25 is to scale back the variety of weapons bought illegally and forestall stolen firearms from getting used for violence. The Virginian-Pilot reviews that Portsmouth residents can hand over a gun and obtain cash or a present card in return, with no questions requested.

“Any day we will get one gun out of a child’s hand is a victory in my e book,” stated metropolis council member Chris Woodard, who voted in help of this system.

The town has had at the least a dozen shootings since June 1, together with one which killed 4 individuals final week.

Police Chief Renado Prince stated he was initially against this system as a result of from his expertise, weapons handed over are usually these left behind after somebody dies, not weapons getting used for crime on the road.

“Any person stated one thing to me, which was, ‘What if that gun buyback program will get a gun out of the home that would’ve been stolen and used within the fee of against the law,’” Prince stated. “It modified my entire world.”

This system is funded by the Hampton Roads Black Caucus.

Vice Mayor De’Andre Barnes voted in opposition to this system, saying the town ought to deal with the basis reason behind what’s inflicting crime and stopping these concerned in violence from “selecting that way of life.”

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