STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The annual Staten Island Friends of the NRA fundraiser at The Vanderbilt has been cancelled, said Mark Tranchina, owner of the venue in South Beach.

Tranchina declined to comment further about the decision to cancel to fundraiser.

The fundraiser was scheduled to take place in September.

The event was cancelled after borough Democrats and others expressed outrage, citing the Feb. 14 shooting in Parkland, Fla., and the number of unfounded gun threats on Staten Island.

The group has held the event at The Vanderbilt since 2016.

Sen. Diane Savino is pleased the restaurant listened to the concerns of the community.

"As a community, we have worked hard to address gun violence in this neighborhood, and an event like this was not in the best interests of the community. The Vanderbilt has been an important partner of the community, and the decision to cancel this event shows that they are accessible and hear concerns of our community," Savino (D-North Shore) said.

Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) and Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore) said they were "appalled" to learn about the fundraiser prior to its cancellation and "refuse to cooperate with evil."

Upon learning about the fundraiser's cancellation, Rose said: "I thank all those who joined us in raising their voices, as well as The Vanderbilt for listening to our collective voices, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the pursuit of commonsense solutions to keep our students safe."

Max Rose, a democratic congressional candidate and combat veteran, said he's glad to see the event cancelled and is tired of Congress standing idle while weapons are used to "mow down innocent Americans"

"Let's be clear: the NRA is only concerned about protecting the profit margin of the gun industry, not the safety of our children or the brave men and women in law enforcement. This is the time for comprehensive gun reform in this country, and an end to the NRAs influence on our politics," Max Rose said.

Democratic congressional candidate and marine veteran Michael DeVito Jr. issued the following statement regarding the fundraiser's cancellation: "At a time when we are FINALLY -- as a country -- looking for legislative action on gun violence, the timing of the NRA event at the Vanderbilt felt insensitive, provocative, and a diversion from the conversations most of us feel we should be having right now: HOW to put a stop to the carnage. I believe the voices of the community helped dictate the Vanderbilt's decision, and I'm grateful they listened to those voices."

The fundraiser has been advertising a raffle where the winner will receive the NRA's gun of the year: A Kimber 1911 Custom II in 45 acp., matching Silver Stag knife and a custom display case.

When contacted for comment about the fundraiser, the Advance was directed to the media relations department for the national NRA organization; they would not comment on a local level.

It is unclear if the event will take place at a different location on Staten Island.

BOROUGH REPUBLICANS DON'T AGREE WITH CANCELLATION

South Shore Councilman Joe Borelli did not agree with the cancellation, stating it shows a lack of respect for First Amendment rights.

"I think we are setting a new precedent when we applaud the use of intimidation and bullying to coerce a business owner to turn away service to any group. Those seeking limitations on the Second Amendment should at least respect the First Amendment concepts of free speech and free association," Borelli said.

"Yet since some of our elected officials decided to become the arbiters of which organizations are permitted to host events in our borough, I look forward to seeing whether or not they weigh in on the many other groups that Staten Islanders might find offensive, and I am also eager to hear their next speech on tolerance, inclusion, and bipartisanship," he said.

Minority Leader Steven Matteo said The Vanderbilt, as well as the NRA, have their own rights, when asked about the event being held in his district.

"Like everyone else, these two entities have a right to enter into a lawful agreement, whether it is to hold an event or a fundraiser or a sponsorship," Minority Leader Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) said prior to the cancellation.

"The NRA has every right to host events anywhere they please," Rep. Dan Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) told the Post.

The annual fundraiser has been taking place for 23 years on Staten Island, according to the organization's website, which has not been updated since 2016.

The group's Facebook biography says that its goal is to continue to raise money for the future of shooting sports.

"Amongst the fun and fellowship, Friends of NRA banquets boil down to one goal -- fundraising for the future of the shooting sports," the biography says.

It goes on to say: "So whether you attend a Friends of the NRA banquet for the fun, fellowship, or fundraising, you can be confident that you are helping safeguard programs across the nation that prepare today's generations to be tomorrow's guardians of the Second Amendment."

BROOKLYN EVENT ALSO CANCELLED

Brooklyn Friends of the NRA was scheduled to hold its second annual fundraiser at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island before the event was cancelled last week by the venue.

The fundraiser was scheduled for April 12.

The decision to not move forward with the fundraiser came after Brooklyn politicians and civic activists criticized the restaurant for hosting the event.

"As a long-standing member of the Coney Island community since 1907, the Russo family of Gargiulo's Restaurant has provided a venue for thousands of community events and family celebrations. They have never had a national political issue land on their doorstep. They thank everyone for their interest in this important dialogue and have decided it best to cancel the event," the restaurant owners told the Post.