NRA Struggling During Coronavirus Pandemic, Has Laid Off 60+ Employees

The National Rifle Association has laid off over 60 employees due to financial challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Andrew Arulanandam, a spokesman for the group, confirmed that the NRA was “implementing a number of permanent and temporary staff reductions.”

“On March 22, it was announced and widely reported that the NRA would be implementing a number of permanent and temporary staff reductions along with other cost-cutting measures, just like many other corporations and nonprofits as a result of the extraordinary impacts from the Covid-19 crisis,” he said.

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Coronavirus forced the associate to cancel its annual meeting, which often raises millions of dollars between registration fees and fundraising at the event.

Arulanandam said that in addition to canceling the annual convention, the NRA has postponed “many fundraising events and special programs” due to the pandemic.

He added, “Our leadership is deeply committed to the long-term viability of the NRA and the protection of the freedoms for which our members stand, as well as the safety and well-being of our employees, members and community.”

NPR reported that the CEO of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, would be taking an unspecified pay cut along with remaining employees. In 2018, LaPierre made over $2 million.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on small businesses, as many were forced to close their doors until the virus slows down. In many states with outstanding “stay at home” or “shelter in place” orders, only essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies are permitted to remain open.

The NRA has pushed for gun shops to be considered essential businesses as well.

“Americans are flocking to gun stores because they know the only reliable self-defense during a crisis is the #2A [Second Amendment],” the NRA tweeted in March.

Americans are flocking to gun stores because they know the only reliable self-defense during a crisis is the #2A.

Carletta Whiting, who’s disabled & vulnerable to #coronavirus, asks Dems trying to exploit the pandemic: Why do you want to leave people like me defenseless? pic.twitter.com/wDeEYHqzOU

— NRA (@NRA) March 21, 2020

The Department of Homeland Security has since joined in recommending gun shops remain open, but the choice is currently up to each individual state.