The Daily Populous Wednesday July 10th, 2024 morning edition
Authored by kcbd.com and submitted by diacewrb

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Gray News) – A church in Tennessee held a raffle over Fourth of July weekend to give away an AR-15.

The River of Tri-Cities Church in Johnson City said the raffle was a part of holiday celebrations, according to a report from WJHL.

Pastor Todd Holmes told WJHL that the AR-15 was just one of many giveaways at the church, and he thought it was appropriate since it was in honor of Independence Day.

Members of the congregation are no strangers when it comes to firearms. (WCYB via CNN Newsource)

Holmes said this isn’t the first time the church has held a gun raffle. He also said the winner must pass a background check before receiving the AR-15.

Members of the congregation are no strangers when it comes to firearms. A sign on the door of the church reads:

“WARNING! This is not a gun free zone! WE ARE ARMED! Any attempt to disrupt or harm will be dealt with in an overwhelming display of force!”

Copyright 2024 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Codadd on July 9th, 2024 at 21:05 UTC »

My church had events all the time where there were raffles for shotguns and stuff. They would also go hunting and had their own version of boy scouts. Church is just a community center in reality for a lot of members... well at least it used to be. This might just be a small town thing

FunkyFarmington on July 9th, 2024 at 16:53 UTC »

Sorry folks, this hasn't been unusual in a very long time.

qsnoodles on July 9th, 2024 at 15:05 UTC »

And Jesus said, “I best pull out my strap and lay them bustas down. It’s called spray and PRAY, mothafuckas.” And lo, he did smite all the no-account white trash.