The National Rifle Association, after several days of silence, has released a statement on the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting.
“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.”
The NRA has also reinstated its Facebook page, which disappeared the day of the massacre.
The tragedy has moved even the most ardent pro-gun advocates to engage in a discussion about regulations and restriction. Several major Republican members of Congress have presented the idea of creating a commission that would investigate not just gun control but also mental health and things that influence violence in children. “I think we ought to pursue the ideas that call for a blue ribbon task force or commission with all stakeholders that can look at the much bigger issues associated with tragic events such as this,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa. “It certainly can’t be a debate just about guns.”
Arizona Senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain says he plans to co-sponser a measure with Senator Joe Lieberman that would create such a commission. “We have to have a national conversation,” said McCain. “I know that all my colleagues are open to that conversation. Where it all leads, I cannot predict. But we do need this commission.”
