Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Toledo area

TOLEDO -- Former Congressional candidate, Joe Wurzelbacher, wants to help create a safer America and intends to start by giving away a free gun.

Wurzelbacher, or "Joe the Plumber" as he has been referred to since meeting then presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008, says his website is hosting an "Assault Weapon Giveaway" with a free AR-15 assault rifle to be awarded to a "lucky winner" on April 1.

The Holland man, and former Republican candidate, ran unsuccessfully against Marcy Kaptur (D) for Ohio's newly-structured 9th District in Nov. 2012. 

In a statement released on his website Thursday, Wurzelbacher said guns are getting a bad rap. "Despite what the left-wing media would have you believe, there is no such thing as an 'assault weapon'," Wurzelbacher stated. "Guns are defined by how they are used, and the AR-15 can be used for sport, collection, and personal defense. In order to honor this unnecessarily vilified piece of machinery, my site, JoeforAmerica.com will be giving away a FREE AR-15, valued at $1200."

In August 2012, months after facing national backlash for his YouTube video about the Holocaust and gun control, Wurzelbacher made headlines once again for statements about illegal immigration. According to the Associated Press, Wurzelbacher said that the U.S. needs to build a fence at the Mexico border and "start shooting" at suspected illegal immigrants during a fundraising event for Arizona state Sen. Lori Klein in Prescott, Ariz.

When announcing his free assault weapon contest on Thursday, Wurzelbacher added, "An armed America is a safe America, and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to join in this giveaway." His website and press release, sent to all media, titled the contest as "Assault Weapon Giveaway." Since that time, Wurzelbacher's website deleted all mentions of "assault weapon" and now states: "Despite what national news commentators say, the AR 15 is NOT an "assault weapon" or "weapon of mass destruction." The contest is now simply referred to as a "drawing" to give away a new AR 15.

The contest's rules posted online state that the randomly drawn winner must submit a Federal Firearms License from his or her receiving dealer in order to obtain prize. The winner must also comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

-----

What do you think? Is this giveaway appropriate? Sound off below or on our Facebook page.