Joshua Roberts/Reuters
The National Rifle Association says the decision by several companies to sever ties with it following a deadly Florida high school shooting is “a shameful display of political and civic cowardice.” In a statement issued late Saturday, the pro-gun lobbying group placed the blame for the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on everything but the availability of assault rifles, slamming the “failure” of the school’s “security preparedness,” “the failure of America’s mental health system,” and “the cruel failures of both federal and local law enforcement.” The group depicted itself as a victim of corporations that don’t recognize its “patriotism,” saying the growing backlash is meant to “punish NRA membership.” Delta and United Airlines became the latest companies to cut ties with the group Saturday after a slew of other brands ended their partnerships on Friday. The NRA said it would not be deterred, however, vowing to build new partnerships with companies that recognize the group’s “patriotism and determined commitment to Constitutional freedoms.”