NRA issues statement on Newtown shooting

The National Rifle Association on Tuesday broke its silence on the Newtown tragedy, issuing a statement that it is "prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again."

The NRA is planning "a major news conference in the Washington, D.C., area" this Friday, but the organization offered no other details.

The statement also included the following:

"The National Rifle Association of America is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters — and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown.

"Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting."

Since the shooting on Friday, the NRA has halted all social media activity on its Web page and Twitter.

Over the years, the NRA and its lobbyists have opposed efforts to regulate guns, and support allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons in schools, churches, and parks.