CLEVELAND — Chris Cox, the top lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, told USA TODAY Wednesday that Hillary Clinton wants to take away peoples’ guns, and when she says that is not her goal, “It’s another lie from Hillary Clinton.”
Speaking at a USA TODAY Newsmakers event during the Republican National Convention, Cox — who heads the NRA Institute for Legislative Action — said, “We know with 100 percent certainty that Hillary Clinton will be an unmitigated disaster when it comes to the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”
Cox said he has no doubt that Trump will be a strong supporter of gun rights, “So truly, you could make a very valid argument that the 2nd Amendment is on the ballot in November.”
The NRA takes Clinton seriously when she says gun control is going to be a top priority if elected, Cox said, and her focus should instead be on terrorism or keeping the nation safe.
Cox became the organization’s first official to speak at a political convention when he addressed RNC delegates Tuesday at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
The NRA was criticized for taking two days to issue a statement following the fatal shooting of Philando Castile by a Minnesota police officer earlier this month. According to his girlfriend — who was in the car with their daughter when he was shot and published a Facebook video about the incident — Castile told the officer he was licensed to carry a weapon and had one in the car.
“What happened in Minnesota was troubling to say the least, and it should absolutely be thoroughly investigated and that’s what’s going on right now,” said Cox, noting the video of Castile’s death was painful to watch. “But for the NRA to come in and pass judgement before the facts are known is not something that we ever do.”
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