NEW YORK -- The National Rifle Association, the main political lobby group for gun manufacturers in the US, posted a tweet on Thursday mocking shooting victim Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman who was attacked in 2011, leaving her fighting brain damage.
Giffords, who has become and advocate for tougher laws governing the sale of firearms, is currently fighting for improved background checks for anyone looking to buy a gun.
In response, the NRA Tweeted:
Gabby Giffords: Everyone Should Have to Pass Background Check My Attacker Passed http://t.co/UnVQNvuMLL#2A#NRA
— NRA (@NRA) March 5, 2015Gunman Jared Loughner shot Giffords, killing six and injuring 18. The NRA tweet linked to the Breitbart website, a right-wing mouthpiece in the US, and a story about how Loughner had passed a background check.
“The NRA’s brazen response is as predictable as it is pathetic,” said Congresswoman Kathleen Rice.
Others on Twitter were less diplomatic:
@NRA if you shame a shooting victim you're a giant piece of shit.
— Drew Joshua (@TightButtons) March 5, 2015@nra This proves two things: That gun-control should be increased, and that you love guns more than people.
— Glenn Hansen (@grhansen) March 5, 2015@NRA Because exploiting mass murder is how you roll. #Moneymoneymoney
— Ken Simon (@KenSimonSays) March 5, 2015Of course, the NRA tweet garnered some backers:
Thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the @NRA!
No Background checks for guns now!
— - ̗̀CURL ̖́- (@e_sibe) March 6, 2015
