Albuquerque Sets December Gun Buyback with Cash and Lobo Tickets

Albuquerque residents will have another opportunity to exchange unwanted firearms for cash and University of New Mexico men's basketball tickets at an upcoming buyback event.

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, in partnership with local law enforcement and sports organizations, has scheduled their final gun buyback of the year for December 14 at the Albuquerque Police Department's University Substation.

December Event Details

The "Safe Surrender Gun Buyback" will offer anonymous compensation to individuals turning in firearms. This upcoming event follows previous buybacks, including a November event that collected over 200 guns and distributed more than $20,000 in gift cards to participants.

"Somebody says I don't want this firearm, other states they go to law enforcement, and they say sure we'll take care of that for you. This state we can't do that, so this gives people an opportunity to give an unwanted firearm," said Miranda Viscoli, co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence.

Key Details

• Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. to noon
• Location: APD University Substation (1009 Bradbury Dr. SE)
• Compensation: Cash and same-day UNM Lobo men's basketball tickets
• Process: Anonymous surrender of unwanted firearms
• Organizer: New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence
• Partners: Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico United, Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, Albuquerque Isotopes, and New Mexico Lobos

Program History

The December event will mark the continuation of a series of buybacks in Albuquerque. A previous event in August 25 represented the 24th gun buyback conducted by New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence in partnership with local law enforcement.

During the August event, organizers reported collecting a record number of semi-automatic weapons among the more than 200 firearms surrendered. The demand exceeded available resources, with people still waiting in line when funds were depleted.

Community Impact

The program has attracted support from various segments of the community, including local sports organizations.

Locals personally affected by gun violence have also taken part. Judeah Piro, a senior at RFK middle school who lost two friends to gun violence, has volunteered at past events to help reduce firearms in the community.