Black ministers in San Diego sponsor Christmas gun exchange

For the fourth straight Christmas, African American ministers in San Diego are sponsoring a no-questions-asked gun exchange in which weapons can be turned in for gift cards.

About 540 firearms were "taken off the streets" through the exchange program in the last three years, according to San Diego's United African American Ministerial Action Committee.

Last year, anyone turning in a handgun or rifle received a $100 gift card, and anyone turning in an assault rifle received a $200 gift card. Weapons must be unloaded when exchanged.

This year's exchange is set for Dec. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ministerial committee headquarters, 4981 Market St., San Diego.

The program is co-sponsored by Councilman Tony Young, a variety of law enforcement agencies and the foundation of football star Junior Seau.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Rifles turned in previously as part of the exchange. Credit: United African American Ministerial Action Committee