Skip to main content


No surprises, no questions - Rocket launchers exchanged for groceries - Los Angeles

Police chief unfazed by the exchange.


Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck told reporters today that he was not surprised at the collection of two rocket launchers at the gun buyback event this week. The event collected over 2,000 firearms including 75 assault rifles and the two rocket launchers.

Police Chief Charlie Beck with one of the rocket launchers collected during the buyback.

Police Chief Charlie Beck with one of the rocket launchers collected during the buyback.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The event allowed LA residents to exchange guns for gift cards that could be used to buy groceries, no questions asked. Among that haul was two rocket launchers.

Chief Beck said the launchers contained no rockets, so they did not pose any threat to public safety.

Beck was asked if the weapons would be checked for connections to unsolved crimes. Beck said no because the city does not want to deter people from turning in the weapons in the first place.

The weapons will be melted down in the months to come.

© 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention:
The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Charlie Beck, police, Los Angeles, guns, buyback, gift cards, rocket launchers

NEWSLETTERS »

E-mail:       Zip Code: (ex. 90001)
Today's Headlines

Sign up for a roundup of the day's top stories. 5 days / week. See Sample

Rate This Article

Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

1 - 1 of 1 Comments

  1. Paul
    5 months ago

    By the way, the "rocket launchers" discussed in the article are single use training units. They cannot be reused, and are sold in military surplus stores as decorations for about $50.

Leave a Comment

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment


Newsletter Sign Up

Daily Readings

Reading 1, Second Corinthians 6:1-10
As his fellow-workers, we urge you not to let your acceptance ... Read More

Psalm, Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
[Psalm] Sing a new song to Yahweh, for he has performed ... Read More

Gospel, Matthew 5:38-42
'You have heard how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for ... Read More

Saint of the Day

June 17 Saint of the Day

St. Emily de Vialar
June 17: St. Emily de Vialar, Virgin, Foundress of the Sisters of St. ... Read More