NRA blames everything except guns for Sandy Hook at shocking press conference
A protester just before the NRA press conference on Dec. 21, 2012 in Washington, DC.
In what was a rather stunning, half-hour press conference, the National Rifle Association called on Congress to put armed police officers in every school in America. The highly anticipated press conference came one week after the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., last week.
CEO Wayne LaPierre blamed many things in his press conference for the influx of mass shootings in the US — everything from gun-free school zones, the media, movies, violent video games, hurricanes, and a lack of government funding.
"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," LaPierre said.
At the same time, he deflected any criticism the organization has taken over the past week, saying the organization "remained respectfully silent." He was interrupted by two separate protestors at the event, after which the NRA did not take questions.
LaPierre said that the NRA is calling on Congress to put armed security guards in every school. The NRA has set up a website to advance the cause.
"The only way — the only way — to stop a monster from killing our kids is to be personally involved and invested in a plan for protection," LaPierre said. He added that gun-free zones "tells every killer that schools are the safest place" to go and carry out mass shootings.
LaPierre questioned what would have happened if there was armed security at the school:
"What if, when Adam Lanza started shooting his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School, he was confronted by qualified armed security? … 26 innocent lives might have been spared that day," he said.
LaPierre also blamed lack of government funding.
"With all the foreign aid … with all the money in federal budget … can't we afford to put a police officer in every school?"
A lesser part of his speech placed blame on a media culture that he suggested promoted violence. He took aim at celebrities, video games and movies for advancing that culture.
"Another little dirty secret the media tries to conceal," LaPierre says, is "a callous corrupt and disgusting shadow industry…vicious violent video games." He then called violent films "the filthiest form of pornography."
More from our partners at Business Insider:
- There Is No Logical Explanation For The Political Blunder That Republicans Made Last Night
- Olympic Runner Suzy Favor Hamilton Has Been Living A Double Life As A High-Priced Escort In Las Vegas
- If You Weren't Worried About iPhone Sales Before, You Will Be After Reading This Report
- Here Are The Craziest Details About The Tricked-Out A380 A Saudi Prince Is Buying For $500 Million
- Apple's Latest Update Fixes One Problem With Your iPhone, But Causes Another
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.