As the gun control debate once again fires up across America, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has been quiet since the attack in Las Vegas that left 59 people dead and hundreds injured.
The NRA’s Twitter account hasn't posted anything since September 29th, but the organization broke its silence on Thursday.
In a brief statement, the powerful anti-gun control organization surprised many by insisting that "bump stocks," the devices used to convert semi-automatic weapons to act like illegal automatic weapons, should be subject to more regulation.
Read the full statement below:
"In the aftermath of the evil and senseless attack in Las Vegas, the American people are looking for answers as to how future tragedies can be prevented. Unfortunately, the first response from some politicians has been to call for more gun control. Banning guns from law-abiding Americans based on the criminal act of a madman will do nothing to prevent future attacks. This is a fact that has been proven time and again in countries across the world. In Las Vegas, reports indicate that certain devices were used to modify the firearms involved. Despite the fact that the Obama administration approved the sale of bump fire stocks on at least two occasions, the National Rifle Association is calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) to immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law. The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations. In an increasingly dangerous world, the NRA remains focused on our mission: strengthening Americans' Second Amendment freedom to defend themselves, their families and their communities. To that end, on behalf of our five million members across the country, we urge Congress to pass National Right-to-Carry reciprocity, which will allow law-abiding Americans to defend themselves and their families from acts of violence."
@NRA statement. I'll be on Tucker Carlson Tonight to discuss. pic.twitter.com/hP6wuccSNr
— Chris Cox (@ChrisCoxNRA) October 5, 2017
The issue of bump stocks, while important, has been viewed by many as a minor concession that helps avoid a broader discussion.
I'm really glad GOP and NRA are behind this, but banning "bump stocks" has got to be the easiest bargaining chip they could possibly cede.
— Travis M (@travis_miller1) October 5, 2017
Also, media, please don't shower the NRA with praise because they support tighter regulations on bump stocks. That won't even dent the gun problem this country is facing.
— Carlos (@caguirre94) October 5, 2017
The statement also insisted that gun control laws "will do nothing to prevent future attacks" and that proposed legislation allowing Americans to carry their weapons across state lines would "allow law-abiding Americans to defend themselves and their families from acts of violence."
