The National Rifle Association took a rare shot at Texas gun enthusiasts for their recent open carry demonstrations. In a May 30 missive, the NRA said a small number of Texans "crossed the line" when they took assault rifles to coffee shops and fast food restaurants.
"It's downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business," the post reads.
"Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common sense, it shows a lack of consideration and manners," the NRA says.
Characterizing the demonstrations as "hijinx," the post goes on to say that these open carry activities are "counterproductive for the gun owning community" as they could sway public opinion against gun rights.
As the NRA points out, Starbucks and Chipotle, which previously had not taken a position on gun control, have asked customers to leave their guns at home as a result of the demonstrations.
A former Marine recently spoke out against the demonstrations as well, telling Fox 4 Dallas that he supports "responsible gun owners" but not the harassing behavior of local open carry proponents. The NRA appears to agree.
"It's just not neighborly, which is out of character for the big-hearted residents of Texas," says the NRA post, which was published 24 hours before yet another demonstration, this time at a North Texas Home Depot.
"Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common sense, it shows a lack of consideration and manners. That's not the Texas way. And that's certainly not the NRA way."
Gun rights advocates are divided on the effectiveness of open carry demonstrations.
