National Rifle Association of US

The gun lobby of the United Nations, National Rifle Association (NRA), has filed for bankruptcy on January 15, 2021.  It also announced that, it is moving to Texas from New York. This move from liberal northern State, Texas to a conservative state, New York is being termed an attempt to avoid a corruption probe. The petition for bankruptcy protection was filed in a Dallas court in Texas.

Background

New York had brought financial fraud and misconduct charges against the guns-rights group in August 2020. This move was aimed at dissolving the organization.

National Rifle Association of America (NRA)

It is a gun rights advocacy group in the United States. The group was founded to advance the rifle marksmanship. The group is involved in teaching the firearm safety and competency. It publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events. The organisation has around 5 million members as of 2018. The National Rifle Association was first chartered on November 17, 1871 in the State of New York. First ever recommendation to form a National Rifle association was put forward by Americans in England.

Function of NRA

NRA is one of the three most influential advocacy groups in Washington, D.C. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is its lobbying division. This division manages its political action committee (PAC) and the Political Victory Fund (PVF). The organization has influenced the legislation, participated in or have initiated the lawsuits. It has also endorsed or opposed various candidates at local, state, and federal levels.

Why the organisation is criticized?

The organisation has been criticized by the gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians several time.  It has also been criticized in the light of high-profile shootings like Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.