NRA pledges “meaningful contributions” in post-Newtown press conference
The National Rifle Association broke its silence over the Newton, Connecticut mass shooting on Tuesday, releasing a statement announcing a “major news conference” this week where it could offer “meaningful contributions” to prevent future massacres.
Here’s the statement in full:
The National Rifle Association of America is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters – and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown.
Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting.
The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.
The NRA is planning to hold a major news conference in the Washington, DC area on Friday, December 21.
Details will be released to the media at the appropriate time.
The NRA’s statement comes as President Obama appears to be beginning a push for significant gun-control legislation, which the NRA has staunchly opposed for years. Some Republicans have shown openness toward some gun-law changes but most in Congress remain opposed to new gun-control laws.
After the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, the NRA threw its support behind a new law that incentivized states to supply mental health data to the national background-check system used by public firearms sellers. But some gun-control advocates criticized the bill for including language that allowed some veterans with mental health problems to regain their right to purchase guns if they are shown not to present a public safety risk, the Los Angeles Times reported.
(Photo: Facebook, National Rifle Association)
