Today the National Rifle Association (NRA) issued a statement indicating they have been quiet out of respect for the victims over the last week, and their self-imposed silence will end on Friday. This will come one week after 27 people were shot and killed by Adam Lanza at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
During the vigil on Sunday night, President Barack Obama made it clear that the country has not done enough to protect American children and citizens. This was the fourth such somber occasion Obama has spoken at including the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Dee “Gabby” Giffords in Arizona, moviegoers at opening night of the latest Batman film and in Texas on military base.
Sen. Diane Feinstein has indicated plans to introduce a ban on assault weapons on the first day of Congress in 2013. Other leaders have indicated not only does gun control need to be addressed, but funding for mental health care needs to be considered.
The NRA’s statement said:
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.
