CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael says he is cancelling a gun raffle set for this weekend after Wednesday's mass shooting at a high school in Florida.
In a statement, Carmichael said: "My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and families of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In the wake of this tragedy, I am cancelling Saturday’s gun raffle event and all raffle tickets purchased will be refunded. As the elected Sheriff, I fully understand the difference between responsible gun ownership and senseless gun violence and holding a gun raffle would not serve to advance the values close to my heart or the principles of my Office. "
Sheriff Carmichael had intended to raffle off several guns - including semi-automatic rifles - to fund his re-election campaign.
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