Gun Buyback Held on Anniversary of Ariz. Rampage

Jan. 8, 2013

The event was held on the second anniversary of when a gunman opened fire on former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as she met with constituents, illing six people and leaving 12 others injured.

Tucson police officers catalog a gun outside a police station during a gun buyback program on Jan. 8.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- About 200 guns were turned over in exchange for grocery store gift cards at this morning's gun buyback event.

The effort, led by Councilman Steve Kozachik, began at 9 a.m. this morning at the Tucson Police Department's Patrick K. Hardesty Substation, 1100 S. Alvernon Way.

Two hundred Safeway gift cards worth $50 each were given away at the event which began winding down about 11:40 a.m.

Former state senator Frank Antenori led a counter effort, offering residents cash for their weapons.

Antenori estimated about 30 guns were purchased by his supporters at the event.

The majority of the guns brought were shotguns and rifles and a couple of pistols.

TPD ran the serial numbers of the weapons to make sure they were not stolen or used in any crimes. A different person checked guns purchased through Antenori's effort.

The guns exchanged for the gift cards, that haven't been used in crimes, will be destroyed at 2:30 p.m.