"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,” said Andrew Arulanandam, who heads the group's public affairs, referencing the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Arulanandam said that, in addition to canceling the annual convention, the coronavirus "has forced us to postpone many fundraising events and special programs." Still, 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.”

NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre told its board of directors last month that layoffs were coming and that it would cut remaining employees’ salaries, according to multiple reports . NPR reported that LaPierre, who made more than $2 million in 2018, would also take an unspecified pay cut.

But the group's financial challenges existed before the lethal pandemic upended the U.S. economy.