NRA Special Announcement Tomorrow

The National Rifle Association is planning to hold a major news conference in the Washington, D.C. area on Friday, Dec. 21. A statement from the organization on the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, 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.” In related news, private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management announced Tuesday plans to sell its stake in firearms maker Freedom Group, a family of companies including Remington Arms, Bushmaster, Marlin, Barnes Bullets, and Para USA. “It is apparent that the Sandy Hook tragedy was a watershed event that has raised the national debate on gun control to an unprecedented level. The debate essentially focuses on the balance between public safety and the scope of the Constitutional rights under the Second Amendment,” the company said in a press release.