Gun buyback program planned in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Lansing is planning a gun buyback program in the wake of last week's school shooting in Connecticut.

The Lansing State Journal reported this week that a similar initiative in August yielded 100 guns.

Mayor Virg Bernero says the buyback program "will get guns off the street, out of houses and cars and will save lives and help keep our community safe, especially our young people."

Bernero and Police Chief Teresa Szymanski have asked the community to donate funds to the initiative, which requires a minimum of $10,000. Funds are to be raised completely through donations.

The program will offer a $100 gift card for an operable handgun and $200 for each semi-automatic assault rifle turned in.

No questions will be asked of those who turn in firearms.

Further details on the initiative will be released at a later date.

Those interested in donating can make checks payable to the Lansing Police Department and note "Gun Buy-Back Program." The tax-deductible donations can be mailed to "Gun Buy-Back Program" at the Lansing Police Department, 120 West Michigan Avenue Lansing, MI 48933.