Legal Questions Halt Holiday Raffle: Texas Town’s Rifle Fundraiser Under Scrutiny

Amidst a nationwide call for increased gun restrictions in the wake of mass shootings, a Texas town faced a sudden halt to its holiday rifle raffle after a local newspaper raised legal concerns. The Police Association of Lockhart, which had organized a similar raffle the previous year, found itself under scrutiny when the Caldwell/Hays Examiner questioned the legality of the fundraiser.

The newspaper’s investigation revealed that the police association had been a 501(c)3 nonprofit for only two years, falling short of the required three years to legally sponsor a raffle, as per state law. Jordan Buckley, the publisher of the Examiner, highlighted the discrepancy, asserting that law enforcement’s violation of the law raised ethical concerns, especially when associated with the raffling of assault weapons.

The top prize, a Smith & Wesson M&P 15, has been notorious for its involvement in mass shootings at Parkland High School in Colorado and in San Bernardino, California. Following the newspaper’s report, the Police Association of Lockhart promptly canceled the controversial raffle.

Buckley acknowledged the community’s mixed reactions to the newspaper’s investigation, emphasizing the importance of holding law enforcement accountable. He argued that, given the cultural sensitivity surrounding weapons used in mass killings, local police associations should opt for more suitable prizes, particularly in a small community like Lockhart.

As the controversy unfolded, it shed light on the broader issue of gun regulations in Texas. With no state laws restricting assault weapons, Texas has become a significant contributor to the trafficking of such weapons into Mexico, surpassing nearly every other state combined, according to the Giffords Law Center. The incident in Lockhart thus resonates within the larger context of ongoing debates surrounding gun control and the responsibilities of law enforcement in promoting community safety.