NRA Breaks Silence on Sandy Hook Shooting: 'We Were Shocked, Saddened and Heartbroken

The National Rifle Association broke its silence on the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on Tuesday, issuing a statement and vowing to "offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again." The organization plans to hold a major news conference on Friday in the Washington, D.C. area.

The gun rights organization was criticized by some anti-gun advocates for not speaking out following the shooting. However, the NRA said it was quiet out of respect for the families of the victims.

Read the NRA's first statement since the tragic mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. last week:

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.

The NRA is planning to hold a major news conference in the Washington, DC area on Friday, December 21.

Featured image via AP