Gun Groups Offer Condolences in the Aftermath of Newtown Shooting

While the National Rifle Association’s lack of comment on the Newtown school shooting has been noted, two Connecticut-based gun-owners groups have addressed the tragedy.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, an industry association for gun retailers, is headquartered in Newtown, not far from Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The group posted the following message on its website: “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of this horrible tragedy in our community. Out of respect for the families, the community and the ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment or participate in media requests at this time.”

The Groton-based Connecticut Citizens Defense League, which had more than 1,300 members as of 2011, posted a comment from its President, Scott Wilson.

“We, as law abiding gun owners abhor senseless and violent acts that harm our fellow human beings – especially innocent children,” Wilson wrote. “There have been, many statements condemning firearms and gun owners as a result of this tragedy. This was an act of deranged behavior from a mentally ill individual, not of decent and law abiding people that own guns and respect life. The members of CCDL weep with our fellow citizens of Connecticut.”