A media trade group representing news publishers accused the National Rifle Association of fomenting violence against journalists. The group was particularly concerned about a NRA statement in an August video gone viral that said the New York Times was an “untrustworthy, dishonest rag,” that the video was a “shot across your proverbial bow” and “We’re coming after you.” (CNN, September 5, 2017, by Brian Stelter)
The incendiary comments were part of a recruitment video. Chris Pedigo of the trade group, Digital Content Next, said it was un-American to threaten journalists. He invited the author of the video NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch to a press freedom event to learn about press freedom and the threats faced by journalists. “Clearly, our Founding Fathers understood the value of a free press and sought to shield journalists from political pressure. As such, we encourage you to focus on defending the Second Amendment. We’ll take care of protecting the First,” said Pedigo. (Talking Points Memo, September 5, 2017, by Nicole LaFond)