The city of Miami, Florida, is receiving blowback for holding another gun buyback and plans to give Ukraine any weapons they collect.
The war-torn country of Ukraine has received massive handouts from the United States and received over $40 billion in aid that Congress approved. If that’s not enough, now agencies are trying to rope Americans into giving up their weapons to send them to another country that is already bleeding taxpayers dry.
Miami’s latest stunt allows people to receive $50, $100, or a $150 gift card if they relinquish any firearms in the buyback taking place on Aug. 27.
Our Guns Buyback Program continues Saturday, August 27, from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at Belafonte Tacolcy Center. All guns collected will be send to #Ukraine while we help to take guns off of our streets. #gunbuyback #safestreets pic.twitter.com/PLdPBIHJ3f
— City of Miami (@CityofMiami) August 25, 2022
“The City of Miami has set up a voluntary gun buyback program to assist in providing safety and defense equipment to Ukraine,” according to a post on the city’s website. “Your donations will be used to assist the Ukraine support efforts. Receive a gift card starting at $50 for old, unused, or found weapons, no questions asked. Do your part to make our streets safer.”
This is not the first time the city has done this or made very questionable decisions.
MPD Pride Month Kick Off event, and unveiling of our first LGBTQ+ patrol vehicle. #relationalpolicing #Pride2021 #pride🌈 pic.twitter.com/BGbJPr3zOy
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) June 1, 2021
In June, the police department held the same event called the “Guns 4 Ukraine” buyback program. Sixty-eight weapons were given in June, and the Miami Police Department hopes the August buyback numbers will be more significant.
It’s not to late to turn in your firearm, No questions asked!
Gun Buy Back happening now at Miami City Hall until 2 p.m. 3500 Pan American Drive #SupportUkraine #GunBuyBack https://t.co/RRdwGDg3YX pic.twitter.com/gsgZZWv31W
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) June 18, 2022
Depending on the model, the price of an assault rifle can range from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
To try and get more weapons off the street, the highest amount to be given for any gun is $150. The highest gift card amount is for people who turn over a “High-powered assault rifle (.223 caliber, AR-15, AK-47).” Participants will receive a $100 gift card if they relinquish a shotgun or rifle.
“Turning in an undesired gun is a great way to take guns off the streets by preventing the potential of them falling into the wrong hands. Turning in a gun during the gun buyback … provides safety and security of knowing that the weapon will be properly disposed of or reallocated for use in support of Ukraine. It is also a great way to show your support in the fight against gun violence,” a frequently asked question section on the website says.
As Ukraine continues to make the news and support for the controversial region grows, it’s an interesting time when police departments try to persuade Americans to give up their firearms for another country.
