MORE than 11,000 people have been murdered with a gun in the US this year.
So what’s wrong with Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range in the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia, holding a charity day featuring Santa Claus.
Nothing I hear you reply, except your child can have his picture taken with Santa as he holds one of the following assault rifles — an AK-47, AR-15 or FN-SCAR-17 rifle, WSBTV reported.
“Any time we have an opportunity to do something fun with our patrons and give back to the community ... any time we can combine the two, we get really excited,†the range’s co-owner Robyn Marzullo told New York Daily News.
“Children are able to sit with the Santa, it’s a non-shooting event,†she added. “If they’re not comfortable with a firearm in the picture they definitely don’t have to.â€
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Adam Lanza, who is accused of shooting dead 12 people in a movie theatre in Colorado in July used an AR-15 style rifle, alongside two Glock Model 22 semiautomatic pistols, a .223 calibre rile and Remington Model 870 shotgun, 12 gauge.
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Marzullo stressed safety was their first priority.
“We’re not trying to treat guns like toys,†he told WSBTV.
Only people aged over 18 will be allowed to hold the guns for photos with Santa. Only Santa can hold the rifle, when children want to be in the photos.
“It’s not trying to send a message,†said Marzullo. “It’s just about having a good time, getting into the holiday spirit and giving back to the community.â€
All people who attend the event on Saturday are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Centre.
“I think any time you think outside the box, there could be people who have different opinions, but I’d say that the overall feedback has been really, really positive and we’re just really excited,†Marzullo added.