Prompt Cast
NRA's Response to School Shootings Revealed in Secret Tapes
TLDR Secret recordings obtained by NPR show how top NRA leaders responded to the Columbine school shooting in 1999, considering options like scaling down their convention, creating a victim's fund, and shifting blame away from guns to societal factors. The tapes highlight the NRA's strategy of balancing responsibility, avoiding defeat, and navigating through challenging situations by relying on key figures like Wayne LaPierre and Charlton Heston.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The NRA's response to school shootings in 1999 set the organization's strategy for dealing with such tragedies, as revealed by secret recordings obtained by NPR's investigations team.
03:48
Top NRA leaders were caught in a state of panic and dilemma following the Columbine school shooting, as revealed by secret tapes obtained by NPR.
08:12
NRA leaders are considering different options, including scaling down their convention, in response to the Columbine shooting, while trying to balance responsibility and avoiding appearing defeated.
11:57
NRA leaders are concerned about appearing insensitive after the Columbine shooting and consider options like creating a victim's fund or issuing an apology.
16:26
NRA leaders strategize to shift blame away from guns after the Columbine shooting, focusing on societal factors like culture and warning signs in the community.
20:26
NRA leaders express concern over potential embarrassment from their own members at the annual meeting after Columbine, referring to some as "fruit cakes," "wackos," "hillbillies," and "idiots," highlighting a divide between officials and more extreme members.
24:32
NRA leaders are strategizing to navigate through a challenging situation, relying on the strength of their message and key figures like Wayne LaPierre and Charlton Heston to deliver it effectively.
28:54
The tapes reveal how the NRA has strategically developed its policies and playbook over the last two decades, using key phrases and mobilizing grassroots members to defend themselves in the wake of mass shootings.
