Gov. Cuomo unsympathetic toward NRA woes, says 'extremist group' has 'caused carnage

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn't feel sorry for the National Rifle Association, despite the organization's claims that Cuomo has hurt the company financially by targeting companies that do business with the gun rights group, CNN reported.

The NRA is suing Cuomo and the state of New York because the state has moved to block the NRA from selling Carry Guard insurance. Carry Guard is liability insurance for people who are involved in shooting incidents.

"I believe the NRA represents an extremist group," Cuomo said on CNN. "I believe they've been counterproductive for gun owners in this country. I believe their politics suits them to stop any common-sense gun reform. The NRA has always been against any progress whatsoever. They are oblivious to the facts. They've caused carnage in this nation."

Cuomo vs. the NRA

Cuomo has been accused of targeting and actively opposing the NRA, and he freely admits that is the case.

The governor referred to the NRA's Carry Guard as "murder insurance" and said he is working with other states to eliminate the availability of the program nationwide.

"[Carry Guard is] designed for people who carry weapons, and the insurance policy essentially insured them for intentional bad acts, intentional wrongdoing," Cuomo said on CNN's "New Day" on Monday. "It would be highly unusual for a state to allow an insurance company to reimburse for an illegal activity. They call it 'murder insurance.'"

Cuomo insisted that his policies do not negatively impact responsible gun owners, saying "the NRA hates that message because they are against any reasonable conclusion."

What's the lawsuit about?

The NRA's lawsuit against the state of New York accuses Cuomo and the Department of Financial Services of illegally coercing banks and insurance companies not to conduct business with the NRA.

According to the NRA, it has struggled to obtain insurance and funding, and unless something changes it will become "unable to exist as a not-for-profit or pursue its advocacy mission."