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Michigan 'Build Your Own AR-15' class receives backlash

MARSHALL, MI (AP)--   A Michigan class that teaches residents how to build their own semi-automatic AR-15 rifles drew protests from gun control advocates following recent mass shootings involving the weapon. 

Organizers say the class held Tuesday in Marshall was planned months before the February school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people. The shooter used an AR-15.

It's the third year the Michigan program has been held at a veterans post, but the event received negative attention this year from protesters who said the timing and the idea of creating more guns is unwelcome.

Resident Pam Daume says it's "a slap in the face to the kids who have died."

Chris Walden teaches the class. He says participants must undergo a background check and that the guns are registered and sold only to people who can legally own them.

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