A controversial raffle brought out both sides of the gun control debate in Chester County.
The raffle of an AR-15 rifle similar to the one used in last year's shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. and another gun for charity took place in Downingtown Monday night.
Despite concerns from some citizens, the Chester County Deputy Sheriffs Association held the raffle at the Downingtown Country Club on Country Club Road. The raffle included $100 cash, a Savage .22-caliber bolt-action rifle and the Colt AR-15 rifle, all of which were donated.
The proceeds are intended to help the county's K-9 unit.
The raffle by Chester County law enforcement received criticism from some residents.
"Look around," said Clifford Williams of Coatesville. "Especially with what happened in Connecticut. It's just ridiculous."
“I can understand that there may be people who are concerned,” Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Bunny'' Welsh told the Daily Local News. “But you need to understand two things: This is a legal weapon, and the individual (who wins it) has to undergo a background check.”
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The winner of the assault rifle was announced anonymously and will undergo a federal background check.
