Video: Columbus Considers Gun Buy-Back Program

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus Police may offer to buy guns from the public as part of a broad effort to continue to reduce gun-related violence.

Police Chief Selvain McQueen says he doesn’t expect to get illegal weapons from potential criminals but rather is targeting homes that have guns that don’t use them. Those weapons are attractive to burglars and thieves and could end up used in future crimes.

McQueen hopes to fund the program through some taxpayer money and donations from the public. No date has been set for the program.

The City Council will consider the proposal when it meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Under the plan, guns would have to be operational to qualify.

Tuscaloosa did a similar buy back two years ago.