gun violence prevention

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

Additional photos of Hahn Gun Buyback Events:
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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.

Download full-page flyer here.

Footage of Hahn’s Long Beach buyback event can be found here. Credit: LA36

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.

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.

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.

Media is invited to a 10am press conference. RSVP to lodendahl@bos.lacounty.gov or call (213) 379-6301.

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:

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.

Los Angeles, CA—Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and her colleague Supervisor Hilda Solis are proposing a plan to allow doctors and nurses at County-operated hospitals and medical campuses to give out free gun locks as part of a harm reduction strategy to prevent gun violence.

“Gun locks can save lives – especially in households with children,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Some studies have found that people are more likely to use gun locks if they are given to them by their doctor or in a medical center to take home and I think it is a concept we should explore for our own County hospitals.”

According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of US gun owners fail to keep their guns in a locked place and 56% of US gun owners keep their guns loaded. This increases the risk of injury or death within a house, especially for children and teens. Securely storing firearms with gun safety cable locks or within a gun safe or lock box is one way to prevent firearms from being accessed or used by children.

“If guns are not safely stored or locked, it can lead to devastating and fatal consequences. Gun owners may assume that their families know how to handle a gun, however, if it’s not safely stored or locked, serious injuries or death may result. Hospitals are where many victims end up, and to that end, we can use the opportunity to both educate and provide them with a tangible resource to better protect them and their families from guns—gun locks,” said Supervisor Solis.

Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Solis to explore providing free gun locks for the public at Los Angeles County hospitals for people to take home and use to properly secure guns. Other hospitals across the country have already implemented this practice following research showing its effectiveness.

“One of the easiest ways to prevent gun violence is to make certain that firearms are securely locked up with ammunition stored separately,” said Margot Bennett, Executive Director, Women Against Gun Violence. “Doing so helps prevent suicide, school shootings, and unintentional shootings. We are grateful to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as they continue their efforts to prevent gun violence with this innovative approach to make gun locks easily available.”

The Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention and the Department of Health Services will report back to the board in writing in 45 days with information about the number of County-operated hospitals and medical campuses and the number of locks required for implementation, a proposed process and plan for implementation that includes a timeline to secure the locks, development of educational campaigns, and identification of a distribution strategy, and any resources required to purchase and provide gun safety cable locks, gun safes, and/or lock boxes.

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 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.