Florida State Senator raffles an AR-15 on his Facebook page

On July 4th, one randomly chosen resident from the 1st Congressional District who has liked and shared the Greg Evers for Congress Facebook page will be awarded the AR-15.

The giveaway is hosted by his congressional campaign and is only open to people living in the Florida Panhandle district he’s running in.

To win the Independence Day raffle, you must be 18, live in Florida’s district one, and “like” or “share” Evers’ Facebook page, or sign up on his campaign website.

Just a five-hour drive away, in Orlando, 49 people were gunned down and 53 wounded at the Pulse gay nightclub on June 12.

Evers is one of five candidates running in the August 30 Republican primary for the seat being vacated by Rep. Jeff Miller.

The rifle was made in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and has the Second Amendment on a metal plate near its trigger guard.

“Well, not really, because this is the second amendment we’re talking about”. A victor, who must pass a background check and meet other eligibility requirements, will be drawn on July 4th.

The Evers campaign says someone in California reported the post.

While Evers giveaway will get him great attention statewide and nationally from gun-control advocates and liberals especially from Florida’s big cities. “Terrorism and ISIS is a constant threat”, Evers told the Associated Press. Evers’ biggest rival is Matt Gaetz, who likewise enjoys a high standing with the Association. He also sponsored successful legislation that blocks lawmakers from siphoning money out of a trust fund established to regulate concealed weapons permits. The Tennessee rep in question, Andy Holt, is still planning the giveaway, except with two rifles involved. The custom-built AR-15 Evers plans to give away is similar to one of the weapons used in the massacre.

“This is a campaign gimmick”, Gaetz said.

In 2014, AR-15 rifles were part of giveaways in at least three U.S. House or Senate races.

The AR-15 looks almost identical to the M16 weapon used by the military.