WASHINGTON – Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety released the following statement today in response to the National Rifle Association’s announcement that President Donald Trump will speak at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum during the NRA’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of April.
STATEMENT FROM SHANNON WATTS, FOUNDER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“The extremist leadership of the NRA spent $30 million dollars in the last election cycle for a seat at the table in the White House where they’re pushing their dangerous ‘guns everywhere’ agenda. And now the President is confirmed to speak at the NRA’s annual meeting in Atlanta later this month.
“Make no mistake: The gun lobby is already working to cash in on its investment. Right now, the NRA leadership is pushing legislation that would make Americans less safe by forcing states to recognize the concealed carry standards of all other states, no matter how low – or nonexistent—the standards. In other words, they want to make the weakest link the law of the land and force states to allow domestic abusers, convicted stalkers, people with violent histories and people who lack even the most basic gun safety training to carry concealed guns in public. The gun lobby is also pushing to weaken laws that protect against the use of silencers.
“Degrading our nation’s laws is a dream for NRA lobbyists and a nightmare for public safety. That’s why our volunteers will be in Atlanta during the NRA’s annual meeting, just as we have been showing up at town halls and in statehouses across the country to stand up for the safety of our families and communities. We will not be silenced. We’ve always known this is a marathon, not a sprint—but it’s a race we will win.”