MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The latest gun buyback program in Alabama’s capital comes after a particularly violent period in the city.

Nine people have been killed since June 15 — one of them a 9-year-old.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports that nearly three dozen guns were turned in within hours after Saturday’s buyback began at a Montgomery church.

CrimeStoppers partnered with Central Alabama Community Foundation to sponsor the buyback program, which had been planned well before the recent violent streak.

People received $50 for every rifle, shotgun or functioning handgun. Weapons that can shoot more than a regular 12-round magazine were worth $100.

The weapons will be destroyed by the Montgomery Police Department after a check to see if any were stolen or had been used in a crime.