Gun buyback follows a violent period in Alabama’s capital

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The latest gun buyback program in Alabama’s capital comes after a particularly violent period in the city.

Nine people have been killed since June 15 - one of them a 9-year-old.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports that nearly three dozen guns were turned in within hours after Saturday’s buyback began at a Montgomery church.

CrimeStoppers partnered with Central Alabama Community Foundation to sponsor the buyback program, which had been planned well before the recent violent streak.

People received $50 for every rifle, shotgun or functioning handgun. Weapons that can shoot more than a regular 12-round magazine were worth $100.

The weapons will be destroyed by the Montgomery Police Department after a check to see if any were stolen or had been used in a crime.

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Information from: Montgomery Advertiser, https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com