Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) in a new interview tore into the National Rifle Association (NRA), saying there is "blood on their hands."

During an interview with NPR, Malloy said the NRA is an organization "devoid of courage when it comes to making our nation safer."

"The NRA is taking advantage of people's deaths to make the case that we need more guns," he charged during the interview.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I'm not accusing them of pulling the trigger, but in some cases I think there is blood on their hands. Because they have fought against gun safety for so many years."

His comments come as the issue of gun control remains in the national spotlight after a shooting last month at a Florida high school left 17 people dead.

Since the shooting, students have become vocal advocates for gun control, planning marches and rallying lawmakers to pass new gun laws.

Some have also ripped the NRA and criticized lawmakers for accepting donations from the organization.

President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE and lawmakers have been discussing new gun laws that could prevent future school shootings.

A recent report said Trump plans to unveil a proposal that would encourage school systems around the country to allow armed staff on school premises, among other ideas. The administration is also seeking to ban bump stocks, devices that increase a weapon's rate of fire.

Malloy earlier this month accused the NRA of acting like a "terrorist organization."

Malloy was governor during the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and has pushed for stricter gun laws in the years since then.