RNC raffle offers same type of gun that shot Donald Trump as top prize

In an ironic twist, the Republican National Convention ( RNC ) is raffling off the exact type of rifle used to shoot former President Donald Trump on Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The free giveaway, which is targeted toward MAGA supporters in particular, offers an AR-15 as a prize, Rolling Stone reported, which was the same type of gun Thomas Matthew Crooks used in the shooting that left one dead, two critically injured and the businessman with a bloody ear. The shooter was also killed by the Secret Service.

The ironic raffle is reportedly being sponsored by the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, a lobby organization that advocates for gun rights across the country. Its website states on its "about" page: "We help responsible Americans keep their loved ones safe."

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The specific AR-15-style rifles being given away in the raffle are reportedly made by Daniel Defense, the same company that manufactured the guns used in the Uvalde school shooting that left over 20 children dead.

The Las Vegas shooter also reportedly owned Daniel Defense AR-15s. It still isn't clear the exact brand of gun used in the shooting that injured Trump — just that it was an AR-15.

Rolling Stone reported that the Daniel Defense AR-15 being raffled off at the RNC, which is being held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15-18, is located in an outdoor space known as "ConventionFest."

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It's being auctioned off right next to booths selling Wisconsin cheese and beer, Rolling Stone reported, and several other vendors selling anything from food to Republican or MAGA memorabilia.

Rolling Stone asked the vendor whether anyone had expressed shock, anger or discomfort at the USCCA giving away the same type of gun that had just nearly killed Trump, and the vendor said that some had but that they defend the weapon as a "tool" for self-defense.

AR-15 rifles are considered one of the most popular guns in America because of how easily they can fire multiple rounds in succession. They're not fully automatic, as such a feature is banned in the U.S., but they still pack a nasty punch.

Their bullets are able to rip through flesh and organs with ease and reach targets at long distances with deadly accuracy. The guns are closely related to M16s, a type of military weapon that was first used by American troops in Vietnam.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said it's "time to outlaw" assault rifles like AR-15s, stating that he had done it once and that he'd do it again, referring to his involvement in getting such a ban passed in 1994. He launched his policy argument on Trump's shooting.