Arizona GOP Group Raffles AR-15 Ahead Of Newtown Anniversary

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A Republican group in Arizona raised money this week by raffling off an AR-15 rifle, the same type of gun that was used in last year’s Newtown, Conn. school massacre, just days ahead of the shooting’s anniversary.

Raymond Jones, chairman of the Legislative District 26 Republicans, told Phoenix television station KTVK he was unaware the first anniversary of the shooting is Saturday and said he “might have considered another weapon” if he had known. 

The winner was selected on Tuesday. Jones did not release her name and said she will receive the weapon once his group determines she is legally eligible to own a gun.

Jones said the group paid $800 for the rifle and sold about $1,900 in raffle tickets.

Jones said the Legislative District 26 Republicans also had a gun giveaway contest in June. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Republican candidates in the district. 

Photo: Shutterstock / Vartanov Anatoly

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