Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael is canceling a gun raffle that was slated for this weekend after Wednesday's mass shooting in Florida that claimed 17 lives.
In an email to the media, Carmichael said the raffle "would not serve to advance the values close to my heart or the principles of my office."
Nikolas Cruz, 19, has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder. He was ordered held without bond in Broward County. He had been expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the scene of his rampage.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and families of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida," Carmichael wrote. "In the wake of this tragedy, I am canceling Saturday’s gun raffle event and all raffle tickets purchased will be refunded. As the elected Sheriff, I fully understand the difference between responsible gun ownership and senseless gun violence and holding a gun raffle would not serve to advance the values close to my heart or the principles of my office."
The sheriff is currently attending the Major County Sheriffs' Association Conference in Washington D.C.
