In stark contrast to the tragic events that unfolded the following day, New Orleans residents participated in a city-supported gun buyback initiative aimed at improving public safety. The event, organised by a local nonprofit, took place on Tuesday, just one day before a deadly pickup truck attack that shook the city. Amid Louisiana's recent relaxation of gun ownership laws, the buyback initiative was designed to get firearms off the streets and reduce violence in the community.

During the two-hour event, participants had the opportunity to exchange functional firearms for gaming consoles, with no questions asked. As long as the guns were in working condition, individuals could turn them in for a chance to receive popular gaming devices like the PlayStation 5. 

The initiative aimed to incentivise the voluntary surrender of firearms, fostering a sense of responsibility and safety among the public. According to a report by the Associated Press, a total of 32 firearms, including revolvers, shotguns, and semi-automatics, were surrendered during the buyback.

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City police officers were on hand to receive the weapons, carefully dismantling them to ensure they could no longer be used. The buyback event was part of a broader effort to address concerns about rising gun violence in the region.

JD Carrere, co-director of the gaming program, explained that the gun buybacks were initiated in response to Louisiana's relaxed gun ownership laws and tougher sentencing for violent crimes. The event, held Tuesday, was primarily funded through donations from two private businesses, with Carrere emphasising the need to raise additional funds after receiving requests from the public.

New Orleans, known for having one of the highest homicide rates in the nation, has seen a significant decrease in murders and non-fatal shootings over the past two years, according to the New Orleans Police Department. This progress comes despite ongoing clashes between city officials and conservative Louisiana over how to address violent crime.

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