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Last week, the LaGrange Police Department officially announced a gun buyback, which has been discussed as a possible solution to the city’s ongoing violence issues. 

The buyback event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 12 between noon and 8 p.m.

The event’s purpose is to get firearms off the streets of LaGrange before they end up in the wrong hands. 

“The police department will accept — with no questions asked — working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for a $150 Walmart gift card,” the press release said.

It’s hard to know the result of the buyback will be. Research data shows that nationwide there’s little evidence that gun buybacks actually reduce violence in communities. 

That may be the case in LaGrange as well but regardless we believe the gun buyback is worth a try. The violence plaguing our community needs to stop, and if nothing else, this will remove some firearms already out there.

To participate, secure the unloaded firearm in the trunk of your vehicle, park in the main area outside the police department and call 706-883-2603 and let the clerk know you are there for the buyback event.

The LPD is accepting both working and non-working firearms, and there’s no limit on the number of firearms that can be turned in. 

“This is an amnesty program, so no questions will be asked about the person dropping off the gun, except their name, which will only be needed to complete a receipt,” the LPD said.

We hope the buyback is very successful and might could be a turning point in a deadly 2023.