Hahn Calls on Congress to Act on Gun Violencehttps://hahn.lacounty.gov/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Hayley MunguiaHayley Munguiahttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/630b38108b5fe959ca74b3e2916d05a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Urges residents to contact LA County’s School Threat Assessment Response Team
Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice issued a statement urging Congress to pass gun violence prevention legislation after a shooting Wednesday morning during Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school, killing two children and injuring 17 other people.
“The American people have had enough thoughts and prayers from politicians,” said Hahn in a social media post. “These children were literally in Mass when they were murdered. Congress has the power to act on gun violence—what’s missing is the courage.”
School Threat Assessment Response Team
Hahn is also raising awareness about LA County’s School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) as the school year gets underway in Los Angeles County.
START is a team of County mental health professionals who partner with local law enforcement to respond to calls about possible threats against schools across the county. The aim is to intervene before a threat of school violence becomes a reality.
“Whether you are a parent or a student and you hear something that doesn’t sound right, I urge you to contact START,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Specially trained County mental health professionals and their law enforcement partners will respond quickly, make sure to keep people out of danger, and get the person in crisis the help they need.”
Hahn has led an effort on the board to expand the START program to allow professionals to more quickly respond to any reported threats against schools or students. In 2023, Hahn worked with the Department of Mental Health to launch a countywide ad campaign aimed at educating young people about how to report a school threat to START.
Teachers, school administrators, parents, and students who have experienced or witnessed an actual or implied threat of school violence, are urged to contact our START (School Threat Assessment Response Team) program by calling (213) 739-5565 or emailing START@dmh.lacounty.gov.
LA County Doubles Down on Gun Violence Preventionhttps://hahn.lacounty.gov/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Hayley MunguiaHayley Munguiahttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/630b38108b5fe959ca74b3e2916d05a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Board to Proclaim June as Gun Violence Awareness Month, Highlight Programs Aimed at Saving Lives
Los Angeles, CA — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is voting on a motion authored by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda L. Solis to declare June 2025 as Gun Violence Awareness Month, part of a broader County-wide effort to reduce gun deaths and promote community safety.
“The tragic murder of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros is yet another reminder of the toll gun violence continues to take on our communities,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Gun violence is preventable—and LA County is taking action. We’re investing in real solutions, getting guns off the streets, and putting safety tools into the hands of families.”
The County’s coordinated gun violence prevention strategy brings together public health, law enforcement, and community outreach—anchored by the Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) and championed by Supervisors Hahn and Solis. In recent years, Hahn and Solis have spearheaded stronger County gun safety policies and expanded access to practical tools residents can use to help save lives.
“Gun violence is not just a public safety concern; it is a public health crisis that demands bold, urgent, and sustained action,” said Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “I’m proud to co-author this motion and stand with Supervisor Hahn in promoting real, life-saving strategies. Just as we mourn the devastating losses, like the recent murders of a beloved police officer and innocent bystander in Baldwin Park, we must also act. That’s why we’ve distributed over 28,000 free gun locks countywide, because we know safe storage saves lives. We must keep pushing for common sense legislation, community investment, and healing, especially for our youth and communities of color who bear the heaviest burden of this violence. Gun violence is preventable—and together, we can build safer, healthier communities for all.”
What LA County Residents Can Do Right Now:
Get Free Gun Locks
Gun locks can help prevent suicides, accidental shootings, and youth gun deaths. In LA County, a child is killed or injured by gun violence every 30 hours. Since April 2024, the County has distributed over 28,000 free gun locks at hospitals, libraries, and through the mail.
Supervisor Hahn has hosted 14 Gun Buyback events, collecting and destroying 2,388 firearms—many from homes where they were no longer wanted and not safely stored.
Hahn’s next Gun Buyback event is scheduled for Saturday June 28, 2025 from 8 am to 4 pm at Admiral Kidd Park in Long Beach. Guns can be turned in anonymously in exchange for gift cards—no questions asked.
“These gun buy back events save lives,” said Hahn. “Each gun we remove could be a tragedy prevented.”
Learn About Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs)
The County has launched an effort to raise awareness and use of gun violence restraining orders (GVROs). GVROs, which can be filed by law enforcement or members of the public when they believe a person they know is a danger to themselves or others and must be approved by a judge, can prevent a person from purchasing or posessing a gun, ammunition, or magazine for a specified length of time, between 21 days and five years. Despite their life-saving potential, they are severely underutilized in Los Angeles County.
As part of that effort, the office has created a webpage: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ovp/GVROs.htm. It includes information about what GVROs are, who can file for them, videos about how to file GVROs in both English and Spanish, and a list of legal aid organizations that can assist. The webpage also includes information about possible warning signs for both suicide and potential mass violence.
Join Wear Orange Weekend – June 6–8
LA County is joining communities across the country for Wear Orange Weekend, honoring the lives lost to gun violence and standing in solidarity with survivors. The campaign began in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old student fatally shot in Chicago, and has grown into a national call to end gun violence. Residents are encouraged to wear orange as a symbol of awareness and hope.
We know that when guns are present, our homes and communities are less safe. While we continue to demand action from Congress, I am doing everything in my power to reduce the number of guns on our streets. This is an opportunity for residents to participate in making their own communities safer.
This event is totally anonymous. We will not ask for any identifying information from you.
There are important guidelines to participating in the buy-back that ensure the safety of the public and Sheriff’s deputies. Firearms must be brought unloaded in the trunk of a vehicle and are not permitted on any public transit vehicle. Pedestrian walk-ups will not be accepted. Participants can choose from an assortment of gift cards.
Hahn’s latest event in Torrance on Saturday brought in 256 unwanted firearms
Torrance, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has now collected 2,052 firearms at gun buyback events she has held in partnership with law enforcement across her district since May 2022. The effort aims to give people a safe opportunity to remove guns from their homes and, in turn, make their families and neighborhoods safer.
“Today in closets and bedrooms across LA County there are 2,000 fewer guns that can be found by a child, accidentally discharged, or stolen and used to kill in a crime. That makes all of the work we’ve done to bring these buybacks to our residents worth it,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I’m thankful to our partners in law enforcement who have made these event possible and the hundreds of people who took us up on our offer and chose to make their homes and communities safer.”
Rifles and shotguns collected Saturday in Torrance
Hahn held her twelfth gun buyback event in Torrance on Saturday in partnership with the Torrance Police Department. The event brought in 256 guns, including:
• 89 pistols
• 88 rifles
• 69 shotguns
• 2 ghost guns
• 8 assault weapons
At each event, residents can bring in any firearms they have and turn them in exchange for gift cards purchased by Supervisor Hahn’s office. The guns are surrendered completely anonymously with no questions asked, and are later destroyed.
Hahn held her previous events in Lynwood, North Long Beach, Norwalk, Wilmington, Long Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia, Bellflower, and Pico Rivera.
Footage of Hahn’s Long Beach buyback event can be found here. Credit: LA36
Nearly 1,800 unwanted guns have been collected at Hahn’s 11 previous buyback events
Torrance, CA—This Saturday, November 16, 2024, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn will hold a gun buyback event at 23750 Madison Street in Torrance in collaboration with the Torrance Police Department and the City of Torrance. The event will welcome residents from 9am to 1pm and offers an opportunity to anonymously exchange any gun for gift cards.
“Time and time again these buybacks have shown that many people have these dangerous weapons they no longer want in their homes but have never had an easy, convenient way to get rid of them,” said Hahn. “This is that opportunity. They want to play a role in making their homes and communities safer.”
Saturday’s buyback will be Hahn’s twelfth. Between the previous eleven held in Lynwood, North Long Beach, Norwalk, Wilmington, Long Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia, Bellflower, and Pico Rivera since May 2022, Hahn’s initiative has taken in and destroyed 1,796 unwanted firearms.
There are important guidelines to participating in the buyback that ensure the safety of the public and deputies. Participants should not arrive on foot or transit, and should transport firearms unloaded and in the trunk of a vehicle.
Participants will receive gift cards in amounts according to the type of gun exchanged.
• Non-functioning firearms or parts: $50
• Working pistols, rifles shotguns: $100
• Ghost guns: $200
• Assault rifles: $300
3D and homemade guns will be evaluated for value on the day of the event. Gift card quantities are limited and subject to availability.
LA County Supervisors Implement Ban on County Firearms Purchases from Vendors in Violation of Gun Safety Lawshttps://hahn.lacounty.gov/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Hayley MunguiaHayley Munguiahttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/630b38108b5fe959ca74b3e2916d05a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda Solis that implements new processes that restrict the purchase of firearms by any Los Angeles County department to vendors who are in compliance with gun laws and regulations. In July, Hahn and Solis directed the County’s Internal Services Department to outline and propose a purchasing process; today’s motion adopts that process. A recent report from Brady revealed that government agencies across California spend millions of taxpayer dollars on guns and ammunition procured from vendors that are in violation of firearms laws and regulations. In June, reporting by KCAL’s Ross Palombo on a similar motion passed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors prompted Hahn to bring the motion forward for LA County.
“When gun dealers violate our laws and regulations, they’re choosing profit over the lives and safety of our communities. Not one cent of LA County taxpayer money should go into their pockets,” said Supervisor Hahn.
Firearm vendors will now have to certify under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local firearms laws and regulations and that they have not been cited for repeated or serious violations. Among the most concerning violations of firearms regulations is selling firearms to individuals who are prohibited from purchasing them. Research shows a correlation between a vendor’s violation of firearms laws and the likelihood that a gun purchased from that vendor is recovered in a crime.
“Gun violence continues to harm our communities, and as the County, we must ensure we do our part in keeping our residents safe. This includes ensuring that those seeking to sell firearms to the County of Los Angeles are in compliance with federal and state laws. These commonsense regulations will set the standard for firearm vendors across the County and minimize the number of weapons sold to those who should not have access to firearms,” said Supervisor Solis.
Last year, Solis and Hahn also led the Board in prohibiting all County departments from auctioning or selling excess firearms or ammunition altogether. The move came after it was discovered that the County’s Probation Department planned to auction hundreds of guns to firearm dealers. Firearms no longer needed by LA County departments are now destroyed.
We know that when guns are present, our homes and communities are less safe. While we continue to demand action from Congress, I am doing everything in my power to reduce the number of guns on our streets. This is an opportunity for residents to participate in making their own communities safer.
This event is totally anonymous. We will not ask for any identifying information from you. Open to residents of any city.
There are important guidelines to participating in the buy-back that ensure the safety of the public and Torrance PD officers. Firearms must be brought unloaded in the trunk of a vehicle and are not permitted on any public transit vehicle. Pedestrian walk-ups will not be accepted.
Supervisors Ban County Firearm Purchases from Vendors in Violation of Safety Lawshttps://hahn.lacounty.gov/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Hayley MunguiaHayley Munguiahttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/630b38108b5fe959ca74b3e2916d05a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Though not the case in LA County, millions of taxpayer dollars across California used to buy from vendors failing to comply with regulations, report says
Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis to ensure that Los Angeles County only purchases firearms from vendors in full compliance with the law. A recent report from Brady revealed that government agencies across California spend millions of taxpayer dollars on guns and ammunition procured from vendors that are in violation of firearms laws and regulations. No Los Angeles County department has purchased from bad actors in the past, and today’s motion ensures none will in the future.
“Not one cent of LA County taxpayer money should go into the pockets of firearms sellers who violate the law,” said Hahn. “When guns fall into the wrong hands, families and communities are torn apart. We cannot support businesses that contribute to that.”
With today’s motion, firearms vendors will have to certify under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that they have not been cited for repeated or serious violations, before selling any firearms to any LA County department. Among the most concerning violations of firearms regulations is selling firearms to individuals who are prohibited from purchasing them. Research shows a correlation between a vendor’s violation of firearms laws and the likelihood that a gun purchased from that vendor is recovered in a crime.
“We need to take every action possible to protect our residents from gun violence, and this motion will ensure that Los Angeles County holds accountable every firearm vendor seeking to sell firearms to the County, makes sure we have in place a standardized vetting and procurement process, and aligns us with federal and state compliance laws,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District.
Last year, Solis and Hahn also led the Board in prohibiting all County departments from auctioning or selling excess firearms or ammunition altogether. The move came after it was discovered that the County’s Probation Department planned to auction hundreds of guns to firearm dealers. Firearms no longer needed by LA County departments are now destroyed.
Hahn Will Bring Successful Gun Buyback Model to Pico Riverahttps://hahn.lacounty.gov/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Hayley MunguiaHayley Munguiahttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/630b38108b5fe959ca74b3e2916d05a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Event is ninth in a string of buybacks collecting nearly 1,300 guns
Pico Rivera, CA—On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn will hold a gun buyback event at the Pico Rivera City Hall in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The event will welcome residents from 9am to 1pm and offers an opportunity to exchange any gun for gift cards, no questions asked. Media is invited to a 10am press conference on site. See details below.
“Time and time again at these events we hear from residents that they didn’t know what else to do with these guns. What they did know is that they wanted to get them out of their homes and away from their families. This is the perfect opportunity, and with gift season just days away, you can drive away with hundreds of dollars in gift cards, no questions asked,” said Hahn. “This is an opportunity that hundreds of people have already taken us up on, choosing safer homes and neighborhoods and some extra spending money on top of it.”
Saturday’s buyback will be Hahn’s ninth. Between the previous eight held in Lynwood, North Long Beach, Norwalk, Wilmington, Long Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia, and Bellflower beginning in May 2022, Hahn’s initiative has taken in and destroyed 1,292 unwanted firearms.
In Pico Rivera Hahn will be joined by the city’s mayor and councilmembers as well as LA County Sheriff’s Department South Patrol Division Commander Allen M. Castellano. Sarah Wirtz, an advocate from Women Against Gun Violence who lost a niece in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, will also be present. Women Against Gun Violence have donated 50 gun locks that will be given away on Saturday. The simple devices help prevent accidental discharge or use of the gun by someone other than the owner, such as a child.
There are important guidelines to participating in the buyback that ensure the safety of the public and deputies. Participants should not arrive on foot or transit, and should transport firearms unloaded and in the trunk of a vehicle.
Participants will receive gift cards in amounts according to the type of gun exchanged.
• Non-functioning firearms or parts: $50
• Working pistols, rifles shotguns: $100
• Ghost guns: $200
• Assault rifles: $300
3D and homemade guns will be evaluated for value on the day of the event. Gift card quantities are limited and subject to availability.
What: Gun Buyback and Press Conference Who: Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Pico Rivera Mayor Andrew Lara, Pico Rivera City Councilmember John Garcia, Pico Rivera City Councilmember Gustavo Camacho, Pico Rivera City Councilmember Erik Lutz, Pico Rivera City Councilmember Dr. Monica Sanchez, Sarah Wirtz (advocate from Women Against Gun Violence), LA County Sheriff’s Department South Patrol Division Commander Allen M. Castellano Where: Pico Rivera City Hall, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA When: Saturday, December 16, 2023; Gun Buyback operates from 9am to 1pm, Press Conference begins at 10am Visuals: Surrendered firearms being processed, Hahn and councilmembers touring buyback
Download full-page flyer here. Footage of Hahn’s Long Beach buyback event can be found here. Credit: LA36
“We need Congress to step up and take action on gun violence, but we can’t sit around and wait for that,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This year, we took every step within our power to strengthen our gun violence prevention policies in LA County. We banned the sale of armor piercing bullets. We put in place commonsense safety requirements for gun dealers because we don’t want guns falling into the wrong hands. Along with new efforts to encourage people to use red flag laws and gun buyback events in communities across my district, I am confident that we are saving lives.”
New Zoning Requirements for Gun Dealers
Today, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve an ordinance implementing new zoning requirements for gun and ammunition dealers in unincorporated Los Angeles County communities. The new ordinance will require dealers to obtain a conditional use permit from Department of Regional Planning. Before now, there was no specific category for gun and ammunition dealers. The ordinance will also require that all new gun and ammunition stores operate at least 1,000 feet away from each other and from areas that children gather like schools, parks, libraries, and daycares. This ordinance will come back to the board for a second hearing on December 19th and, if approved, will go into effect 30 days later.
Ban Sale of .50 Caliber Firearms
In February, under the leadership of Supervisor Hahn, the Board established an ordinance prohibiting the sale of .50 caliber firearms and ammunition in the unincorporated areas of the County. These are the large bullets that inflict a massive amount of damage on the human body and can pierce body armor.
Prohibit Carrying Firearms on County Property
In February, under the leadership of Supervisor Hahn, the Board Establishes ordinance to prohibit the possession of firearms on County property, such as parks, beaches, and County buildings, with certain exceptions or law enforcement and active military.
Commonsense Oversight and Safety Requirements for Gun Dealers
Last month, the Board approved an ordinance putting in place commonsense oversight and safety requirements for gun and ammunition dealers in unincorporated Los Angeles County. The ordinance, which is enforced by the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, does the following:
Requires that ammunition dealers get a business license and comply with requirements applicable to gun dealers. Previously, ammunition-only dealers were not required to have a specific business license.
Prohibits minors in stores that sell guns and ammunition unless accompanied by an adult. Mixed-use stores will be required to have sight separation.
Requires that stores maintain an annual sales report, keep a fingerprint log of purchasers of guns and ammunition, maintain a weekly inventory report, have security cameras in place, and have signs displayed in stores that warn customers about the risks associated with access to guns.
Requires suspended and revoked licensee names to be publicly posted by the Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Amends the fee chart and increases the annual license fee for both initial applications and license renewals.
Expanding Access to Gun Violence Restraining Orders As part of a comprehensive approach to preventing gun violence, the County has launched a new effort to raise awareness and use of gun violence restraining orders (GVROs). GVROs, which can be filed by law enforcement or members of the public when they believe a person is a danger to themselves or others and must be approved by a judge, can prevent a person from purchasing a gun, ammunition, or magazine for a specified length of time, between 21 days and five years. Despite their life-saving potential, they are severely underutilized in Los Angeles County.
To improve public information and awareness of Gun Violence Restraining Orders, Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis directed the LA County Office of Violence Prevention to launch a public awareness campaign. As part of that effort, the office has created a new webpage can be found at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ovp/GVROs.htm. It includes information about what GVROs are, who can file for them, videos about how to file GVROs in both English and Spanish, a list of legal aid organizations that can assist, and data about gun violence restraining order filings in LA County. The webpage also includes information about possible warning signs for both suicide and potential mass violence.
Moving Forward: Gun Buybacks Across Hahn’s District
Supervisor Hahn is partnering with law enforcement agencies to hold gun buyback events across her district where residents have an opportunity to turn in unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards, no questions asked. She has held seven gun buybacks since last year, collecting over 1,200 guns including assault rifles, ghost guns, and 3D printed guns. Hahn will hold an eighth event December 16th at Pico Rivera City Hall.
