In its first statement since the shooting that killed 26 people inside a Newtown, CT, elementary school, The National Rifle Association promised ‘‘to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.’’
The nation’s largest gun rights lobby explained its unusual absence ‘‘out of respect for the families and as a matter of common decency’’ after Friday’s shooting that left 20 children dead, all ages 6 or 7.
The statement reads:
“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.”
