US

NRA Gains 100,000 New Members Following Newtown Shooting

NRA Gains 100,000 New Members After Newtown Shooting

National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre gestures as he speaks about the violent online video game “Kindergarten Killers” during a news conference in response to December’s Connecticut elementary school shooting on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 in Washington. (AP)

The National Rifle Association has gained more than 100,000 new paid members in the wake of last month’s elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn., the NRA told Politico.

The increase — raising the NRA’s ranks from 4.1 million to 4.2 million — came within the last 18 days amid the raging debate over gun control.

“Our goal is to get to 5 million before this debate is over,” an NRA official said.

Vice President Joe Biden is set to meet with NRA officials Thursday as part of his gun policy task force. On Wednesday, he said President Barack Obama could take “executive action” to crack down on guns.

The NRA told Politico the organization is “willing to talk to policymakers about any reasonable proposals and plans.”

“However, the NRA is hearing not just from Beltway elites and the chattering class, but real Americans all over the country that are hoping the NRA is not going to compromise on any of the principles of the Second Amendment, nor are we going to support banning guns. But we’re willing to listen,” the organization said.

A representative from the NRA did not immediately return a request for comment from TheBlaze.

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Comments (85)

  • Decoy1
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:21pm

    I am a Police Officer. And I want you to carry a gun.

    I want you to carry a gun because Ive seen real evil in this world.

    I want you to carry a gun because I know you. You are good.

    I want you to carry a gun because I am flawed and I can not always be there.

    I want you to carry a gun because my family needs you to protect them while im trying to protect you.

    I want you to carry a gun because it was you who first taught me how to shoot.

    I want you to carry a gun because I took an oath to protect your right to carry a gun.

    I want you to carry a gun because I need your help.

    I want you to carry a gun because you are precious to me.

    Sincerly,
    Dpy. Simpson

    Report this comment

    Decoy1  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:28pm

      I hope you are true, because you, and your fellow officers, are the very people that they’re going to order to confiscate our guns. Pray hard my friend.

      Report this comment

      19RANDY59  
    • RaydocX
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:58pm

      LEO Simpson, God Bless, and protect you out there.
      lots of folks forget that it’s not ‘us against LE’… easy to forget if you don’t know any LEO’s and watch any MSM news coverage.

      While my then wife was training for dental hygiene in KC in the 80′s her classmates included wives of KCPD officers, and to a woman they carried, despite state and city ordinances against. The reason? Their spouses understood that the bad guys ignore the laws, and the crime is almost invariably over by the time the police can respond, through no fault of their own.

      If you are not willing to support for the public at large what you want for your family, that is a heavy burden of guilt to carry around.

      Well stated, officer, and thank you for your service!

      Report this comment

      RaydocX  
    • JRook
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 4:35pm

      So I guess two of the benefits of the NRA dues are free lessons in exaggeration and/or acting like a drama queen. No one is talking about taking away your precious firearm or your right to carry a gun necessary to defend yourself. How about we keep it simple. All guns should be registered with both the federal and state governments. Gun manufacturers, wholesalers and gun shops are criminally and civilly responsible for all guns until they are sold and registered. Registered owners are criminally and civilly responsible and liable for any crimes they gun is involved in unless it is reported stolen within 72 hours. Case in point Mrs. Lanza, if she were alive, should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the crimes committed with her guns as there is no reason her guns should not have been kept under lock and key when she wasn’t using them. She similarly should be responsible for her known disturbed son having easy access to them. Any gun sold privately must be re-registered in a manner similar to ownership transfer of a car. See simple and no infringement on your 2nd. amendment or civil rights. And so there is no confusion individuals who feel a need to own assault rifles are regarded as the same as guys who boy corvettes to cover up other inadequacies.

      Report this comment

      JRook  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:26pm

      @Jrook

      “No one is talking about taking away your precious firearm or your right to carry a gun…All guns should be registered with both the federal and state governments.”

      When all guns are registered, confiscation become very easy.

      Stalin, Mao and Hitler all believed in gun control. Congrats, you’re in good company.

      Report this comment

      GoodStuff  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on January 11, 2013 at 12:54am

      @ decoy1
      I have your back Sir!, and Thank you!!

      @ jrook
      “The general rule is that an unconstitutional statute, though having the form and name of law, is
      in reality no law, but is wholly void, and ineffective for any purpose; since unconstitutionality
      dates from the time of its enactment, and not merely from the date of the decision so branding
      it.
      “No one is bound to obey an unconstitutional law and no courts are bound to enforce it.” 16
      Am Jur 2nd, Sec 177 late 2d, Sec 256

      Any law or rule created for gun control after the Second amendment was passed written into the Constitution is an UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW!!

      Report this comment

      banjarmon  
  • amybrowning
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:15pm

    What if the lawmakers did something rational like perhaps require anyone who wishes to purchase a gun, must first obtain a license by taking a gun safety course and shooting test—much like what is needed to obtain a concealed carry permit or even a driver’s license. That way, you gain the valuable knowledge of how to properly use a gun and when you go to Walmart or wherever to buy a gun, you give them your gun license (or conceal carry permit or hunter safety registration) just as you must also provide your driver license. That way not just anyone could go buy a gun. It would also eliminate the need for a waiting period since it would certainly take a period of time to obtain this permit. This benefits government as well, given that they can make money on the licenses. As a gun owner, I absolutely went through the safety training and shooting classes just for my own education and wouldn’t believe for a minute that someone would argue that is not a prudent thing to do. Those idiots/criminals that are irresponsible with their guns are the ones who have not been properly educated and aren’t interested in becoming so, I believe. Right now, the onus to be educated, only if one so chooses, is on the prospective buyer, at their discretion or not. I say just make that a requirement, then any kind of gun should be able to be sold and owned.

    Report this comment

    amybrowning  
    • drs1969
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:25pm

      Waste of money. Adam Lanza supposedly used his mom’s guns. If she was stupid enough to keep guns around him, then permits and training don’t matter. Personally, I think he was set up by the banksters behind the LIBOR scandal.
      Any weapon, including automatics, should be allowed now under the 2nd. Ad.

      Report this comment

      drs1969  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:36pm

      Amy listen closely, a criminal is not going to take a class. A law abiding citizen could own a machine gun and never injure anyone. The left is not interested in public safety. They want control!!! And they will kill to get it. GET IT??

      Report this comment

      19RANDY59  
    • RaydocX
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 4:04pm

      the issue is that the framers recognized firearms possession/ carry is NOT subject to legislation… it is not a right conferred BY the Constitution or the amendment, but a God Given/ Natural right that they specificly enumerated could NOT be infringed by the government.

      On the surface i do not argue… i hope that ANYONE who carries has been through more than the basic class and practices frequently.

      But who would you have administer the tests and keep the records? The very body that is supposed to fear the populace and so be respectful and defferential in its legislation; it would be a fox guarding the hen house.

      And it could NOT be the NRA… look at AARP because of retiree insurance or AMA because of ICDN coding payment… tying a former opposition group into the loop effectively subborns that group.

      STATES could legislate specific classes. And for specific locations i agree that testing would be appropriate… i DON’T want every teacher carrying… i have known some wacky teachers. But if they want to carry at school, going through a sponsored course and a psych eval, i think, would be a fair quid pro quo and would leave schools safer… Not gun proof, but protected against mass killings.

      always good to think out of the box, and we have to have some responsibility or the Left will argue gun owners and 2nd amendment supporters refuse to move from their position. Mind you, we do not have to move, and should not move far…

      Report this comment

      RaydocX  
  • ExposeGannett
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:14pm

    Join the NRA then contact your local journalist and let them know that you did
    http://exposegannett.wordpress.com/

    Report this comment

    ExposeGannett  
  • ExposeGannett
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:14pm

    Join the NRA then contact your local journalist and let them know that you did.

    Report this comment

    ExposeGannett  
  • hauschild
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:10pm

    I find it hard to believe only 4+ million red-blooded Americans are members of the NRA. When you really think about it, is there and has there ever been a more paramount organization to an average American citizen???

    I would expect this to be around 20%, as that’s about the percentage of Americans left in this nation that has a fundamental understanding of freedom and liberty.

    I would encourage foregoing your usual charity and putting that money in the NRA because a thriving latter ensures any semblance and existence of the former.

    Report this comment

    hauschild  
  • poetopoet
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:09pm

    Dr. Taitz, Esq. has no means of checking the veracity of all the claims and allegations in the articles.
    Breaking news! Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts schedules a case by Attorney Taitz regarding Obama’s forged IDs to be heard in conference before the full Supreme Court

    Posted on | January 9, 2013 | 202 Comments

    Press release!

    Law offices of Orly Taitz

    Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States John Roberts scheduled a case by attorney Orly Taitz dealing with Barack Hussein Obama’s use of forged IDs to be heard in conference before the full Supreme Court. The case titled Noonan, Judd, MacLeran, Taitz v Bowen provides a mountain of evidence of Barack Obama using a last name not legally his, forged Selective Service application, forged long form and short form birth certificate and a Connecticut Social Security number 042-68-4425 which was never assigned to him according to E-Verify and SSNVS. Additionally, this case provides evidence of around one and a half million invalid voter registrations in the state of California alone.

    Please, keep in mind, Richard Nixon was reelected and sworn in, but later was forced to resign as a result of Watergate. over 30 high ranking officials of Nixon administration including Attorney General of the United States and White HouseCcounsel were indicted, convicted and went to prison. ObamaForgery gate is a hundred times bigger then Watergate. More corrupt high ranking officials, US Attorne

    Report this comment

    poetopoet  
  • fastfacts
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:01pm

    BREAKING: Joe Biden may try to outlaw any non-federally regulated sales of guns ( http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2013/jan/biden_owtlaw_sales.html )

    That doesn’t just mean gun shows but private citizens selling their weapons.

    Report this comment

    fastfacts  
  • Stealth
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:59pm

    It doesn’t matter if Congress passes a ban or the Prez signs EO, it’s still unconstitutional. Our Attorney General (Texas) has already come out and stated as such and will fight it! How many more Treasonous acts will the American people let these bozos get away with? It is time that they start to fear us as they are OUR servants! We do NOT serve them!

    The 2nd Amendment has never really been used until they try to take it away…..
    “The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

    I have a son-in-law that is in a special group with the Border Patrol. One day I asked him that
    if got orders to confiscate our weapons, he said “Hell no! I know what you have and I know you
    know how to use them!” He said it’s already being discussed within the departments and there’s
    no way they would do it because they know they wouldn’t stand a chance.

    I Will Not Comply !

    Report this comment

    Stealth  
    • jcldwl
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:06pm

      Nor will I. The 2nd amendment is the ultimate trump card and we are holding it. They have nothing up their sleeve that can beat it. Even if they think they do, they don’t.

      Report this comment

      jcldwl  
    • drs1969
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:11pm

      You’re exactly right. They are far outnumbered. they’d be committing suicide. This is something DC’s overeducated moron-class may not understand.

      Report this comment

      drs1969  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 6:14pm

      They are going to do it a bit at a time. You will be singled out, so that there will be no coordination between citizens. The same way the IRS takes property without due process, and if officers do not follow the orders, they will be dealt with severely.

      Report this comment

      19RANDY59  
  • nojoke
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:52pm

    I think the NRA should change their name to National Rifle Assoc. and Militia (NRAM)and anyone that is a member would be protected.

    Report this comment

    nojoke  
    • Clownzilla
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:17pm

      That’s what I keep telling people. Just add “militia” to the name of a club and there goes one favorite argument of the left. A militia is literally a “citizens army” but nobody said that the citizens army had to really do anything. Grandma’s Bridge Club…..and militia, the name of your bowling league team…..and militia, You and a buddy forming a Barnes & Noble book club….and militia. You would be “well regulated” because you are a coherent group and it’s your choice if you even OWN a gun or not. It sounds incredibly ridiculous but this is the type of game we have to play when dealing with the left.

      Report this comment

      Clownzilla  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:49pm

    I had let it lapse. I just renewed for 2 years.

    I hope they do something useful with my dues…

    Report this comment

    THX-1138  
  • MNYukon
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:48pm

    By chance does the NRA have more members than the Democrat Party?

    Report this comment

    MNYukon  
  • BODYBAG
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:35pm

    Lets see the paystub

    Report this comment

    BODYBAG  
  • usafpatriot
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:34pm

    Looks like there a massive army forming out there to oppose Obumer and the army he talked about back in 08. I would goes as far to say that it is much more diverse group than Obumers; White, Black, Brown, Men, Women, Active Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Teachers, Government Employees, Union Members, Blue collar, White collar…..AMERICAN’S.

    Report this comment

    usafpatriot  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:45pm

      I believe that the closet sportsmen have come out to be heard.
      I also believe that this ‘fight’ is an attempt to get rid of one more voting block by this administration.
      He has evidenced that over the years.
      e.g. The white, rifle bearing, bible thumpers in Pennsylvania during his ’08 run.

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • hauschild
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:11pm

      @DADROCKED

      “I believe that the closet sportsmen have come out to be heard.”

      You must have missed this past election. Just to let you know, it sucked – royally.

      Report this comment

      hauschild  
  • LINKSTER
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:33pm

    ” To conquer a nation, first disarm its citizens “.
    Adolph Hitler
    1933

    Report this comment

    LINKSTER  
  • LemonCreek
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:23pm

    Call the NRA and tell them to start a new polticial party 1 877 NRA 2000, I did, every call counts.

    Report this comment

    LemonCreek  
    • drs1969
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:18pm

      While I liked LaPierre’s speech, I think the NRA is too money-grubbing. I’d rather spend my money on guns and ammo, at this point.

      Report this comment

      drs1969  
  • woodyee
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:12pm

    Madeleine Morgenstern – please read –

    WAP
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:03pm
    “Note the bias of the title of the article linking the increase in membership to the Newtown Shooting. No title linkage between NRA membership and attacks on gun ownership is mentioned.
    According to the slant of the headline it is the shooting of children spurring membership growth…not the fact that the US government is attacking a Constitutional Right.”

    …just saying…

    Report this comment

    woodyee  
    • mercenary4freedom
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:26pm

      Join the NRA, AND Gun Owners of America.

      Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America shreds Pierz Morgan Round 2 last night.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoM7YBU1Puo

      Report this comment

      mercenary4freedom  
    • drs1969
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:29pm

      No one believes the narrative, or timing, of the Newtown shooting. Lanza’s father was set to testify to the Senate about the LIBOR scandal. Same exact thing about the Aurora shooting. That guy’s father was also set to testify to The Senate. What are the odds???

      Report this comment

      drs1969  
  • midnightsun
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:12pm

    If the NRA caves in will they refund us our money!!!!!

    Report this comment

    midnightsun  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:25pm

      That’s why I am waiting to see what they say. If they stand firm I may very well renew my membership.

      Report this comment

      Cavallo  
    • subic
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:33pm

      I have renewed and once this plays out in our favor (no doubt in my mind) will be conributing more than my “fair share”.

      Any of Queen Obama’s EO does not supercede our Constitution!

      Report this comment

      subic  
    • hauschild
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:14pm

      You guys have to remain fervent members of the NRA. Sure, they’re gonna put on certain faces because let’s face it – there ain’t a soul left in this country with any stones – I really believe that, but at the end of the day, this organization has really put the boots to the Central Planners over the years.

      Of any charity or organization, the NRA MUST be the one front and center at this moment in time.

      Report this comment

      hauschild  
  • captweb
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:06pm

    I hope the NRA will post some feedback on the meeting today with Biden. It should be pretty simple to tell if we are up against “business as usual” and if that is the case it would be time for a protest in Washington. I’m not talking about ten thousand or five hundred thousand people, I’m talking millions. It’s way past time to get off of our collective butts! I’m sure the NRA could organize something like this.

    Report this comment

    captweb  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:17pm

      If I have to go to Washington it would be armed. So since I am banned from being armed as a lawful subject in Washington, I will only be traveling there if it is as a member of an armed insurrection.

      Report this comment

      Cavallo  
  • WAP
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:03pm

    Note the bias of the title of the article linking the increase in membership to the Newtown Shooting. No title linkage between NRA membership and attacks on gun ownership is mentioned.

    According to the slant of the headline it is the shooting of children spurring membership growth…not the fact that the US government is attacking a Constitutional Right.

    Report this comment

    WAP  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:23pm

      I think the Blaze takes many of the stories full stock from their sources. Most sources such Politico, AP, NYT, even at times the WSJ are anti-liberty propaganda machines. Most of them service the interests of the State. The Blaze should be more aware of this and make sure they are not simply furthering the propaganda BS of other reporters who favor fascist oppression.

      Report this comment

      Cavallo  
    • subic
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:41pm

      Reading between the lines the BLAZE & its writers seem to be slanting with the establishment libs.

      Report this comment

      subic  
    • DougHuffman
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:12pm

      If you only knew how heavily their thumb rests on the balance scales.

      Report this comment

      DougHuffman  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:00pm

    I am glad to see the interest in the NRA ramp up. I would also like to send Kudos to Wyoming. Let’s hope other states follow suit.

    Report this comment

    thegreatcarnac  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:30pm

      Aye to Wyoming.

      http://k2radio.com/wyoming-lawmakers-propose-gun-protection-legislation/

      This is why I’m moving there, and not Texas. Unfortunately, Beck is a New Yowka and has no real memory of freedom, living there, so he thinks Texas is a free state. Guess what, you have to cover and hide your firearms in Texas, and they almost went Blue during the last election (if “voting records” are to be believed). Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, South and North Dakota, now that’s where freedom is at!

      Report this comment

      GhostOfJefferson  
    • toomuchgovt
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:07pm

      I was looking at Wyoming to move to, but what is up with those taxes?

      Report this comment

      toomuchgovt  
  • Cavallo
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:56pm

    I’ll reserve judgement to see what they say after meeting with the fascist overlords, Biden and Holder.

    Report this comment

    Cavallo  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:55pm

    One need not point any further than our disrespect for life at the cost of grant a woman the so-called right to remove God’s consequence for having illigitimate intimacy.

    I say illigitimate because the mass majority of married couples would never consider having an abortion and all other intimacy outside of marriage between a man and a woman is immoral!

    Report this comment

    mcsledge  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:33pm

      It apparently is considered ok to kill thousands of babies each year, but the nation goes viral over an drug induced idiot shooting up unarmed people. Even these horrid murders don’t kill as many as the street thugs in Chicago do each year.

      Report this comment

      oneshiner  
  • 1SFG
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:52pm

    Good. 100K more Patriots to oppose the “useful idiots”

    Report this comment

    1SFG  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:50pm

    So will Obama’s executive power grab of orders also include the mandate of the NRA and Tea Party being ordered to disarm and be disbanded or face being declared “Domestic supporters of terrorism?”

    Obama is going to make a wide and bold move for near complete or complete power, this is the time he has momentum on his side and will all but go for broke.

    Report this comment

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 1SFG
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:56pm

      If he wants to play King George III he’ll get his Lexington and Concord, Part II.

      Report this comment

      1SFG  
    • ImJusSayin
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:02pm

      No way. He cant bring himself to use the work “Terrorism”.

      Report this comment

      ImJusSayin  
    • justangry
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:06pm

      Yeah they screwed us over by declaring war on a tactic.

      Report this comment

      justangry  
  • DougHuffman
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:50pm

    The NRA does not speak for me.

    The NRA is the Good-cop to the Brady’s Bad-cop while both gun-control organizations profit from the stupidity of their ‘members’. If a service is free, they are not the customers, but the product. How many of these 100,000 new ‘members’ have voting privileges? NRA Lifers only have voting privileges initially, regular members have to wait five years.

    Report this comment

    DougHuffman  
    • 1SFG
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:53pm

      DougHuffman,
      Your an idiot! Go join Code Pink!

      Report this comment

      1SFG  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:56pm

      List all the other gun organizations then.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Penn
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:59pm

      Doug,

      The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Divide and conquer. Take your pick but I’ll support organizations that follow the Constitution.

      Report this comment

      Penn  
    • Redhawke
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:15pm

      Doug,

      Any one of these 100,000 new members could have signed up for a Life Membership and gotten voting privileges, if that is what they cared about. I am guessing that they cared more for their Second Amendment rights more.

      Join whatever gun rights group you want state or national. You may want to make sure that they are an actual supporter of guns rights and not some Brady Campaign plant. Me? I am NRA Life

      Report this comment

      Redhawke  
    • DougHuffman
      Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:23pm

      NRA Lifer means only not ready to admit a $500 error.

      Report this comment

      DougHuffman  

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