Miami’s gun buyback program to send surrendered guns to Ukraine

The city of Miami is partnering with the local police department to hose a gun buyback program. These programs have popped up all over the country but this one comes with a twist. The guns brought in will go to Ukraine.

The event is organized by Miami Commissioner Ken Russell through a “Guns 4 Ukraine” campaign. The initiative began collecting weapons in July by confiscating illegal arms and buying back pre-owned rifles from residents. Residents can receive up to $150 for high-powered rifles.

“The City of Miami has set up a voluntary gun buyback program to assist in providing safety and defense equipment to Ukraine,” a statement from the Miami Police Department said.

Since the city has been hosting the gun buyback program for Ukraine, 167 guns have been sent to the Ukrainian city of Irpin outside of Kyiv. Shipping weaponry is only possible with a U.S. State Department license, as the Washington Post reported. The U.S. Commerce Department has been attempting to speed up requests from similar projects since the start of the Ukraine war. This weekend, the initiative will continue.

“Your donations will be used to assist Ukraine support efforts. Receive a gift card starting at $50 for an old, unused, or found weapons, no questions asked. Do your part to make our streets safer. Visa Gift Cards will be exchanged for the weapons in the following amounts: $50 firearm, $100 shotgun or rifle, $150 high-powered assault rifle (.223 Caliber, AR-15, AK-47).” Since the start of the initiative, Irpin and Miami are set to become sister cities.

While Miami tries to gather up a few dozen guns in the gun buyback event to benefit Ukraine, President Joe Biden is making a wave that makes the city’s effort look like a splash. Biden has allocated another $3 billion dollars for Ukraine’s military.