NRA 'Shocked, Saddened and Heartbroken' by Newtown School Shooting, Will Hold News Conference Friday

In a statement released to the press, the National Rifle Association says it's shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown." The organization plans to hold a news conference on Friday to address the gun-related issues.

Here's the statement, the first since the mass shooting in Connecticut:

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.

The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.

The NRA is planning to hold a major news conference in the Washington, DC area on Friday, December 21.