NRA breaks silence, promises to help prevent school shootings
ASSOCIATED PRESS December 18, 2012 4:18PM
President Barack Obama walks off stage after delivering a speech at an interfaith vigil for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 at Newtown High School in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Updated: December 18, 2012 4:19PM
WASHINGTON — The National Rifle Association is breaking its silence four days after a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, where 26 were killed, including 20 children.
The powerful gun rights organization made its first public statements Tuesday after a self-imposed media blackout that left many wondering how it would respond to the killings. In its statement, the group said its members were, quoting, “shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders.”
The group also said it wanted to give families time to mourn before making its first public statements. The organization pledged “to help to make sure this never happens again” and has scheduled a news conference for Friday.
