Long lines at LA's drive-up gun buyback sites

After the tragedy in Newtown, CT, Los Angeles officials moved their annual gun buyback program to the day after Christmas. Long lines of gun holders queued up in cars around the block at Exposition Park to exchange guns for Ralphs gift cards in front of the Sports Arena — no questions asked. Long lines were also reported at the Van Nuys Masonic Temple.

As police received the weapons, they ensured they were unloaded then tossed the guns into bins to presumably be melted down and recycled. Prices paid were somewhat negotiable: up to $100 for handguns, shotguns and rifles, as much as $200 for assault weapons.

City officials said they collected more than the 1,673 guns accepted at the last buyback event, but were withholding final numbers until tomorrow.

Photos by Iris Schneider.