National Rifle Association President David Keene told The Daily Caller’s Ginni Thomas that the gun-control movement was born out of a racist desire to oppress and endanger African-Americans.

“You know, when you go back in our history … the initial wave of [gun-control laws] was instituted after the Civil War to deny blacks the ability to defend themselves,” Keene said.

“It’s the reason, for example, that Condoleezza Rice says, as far as the Second Amendment is concerned, ‘I’m an absolutist.’ Because she remembers her house being surrounded by neighbors with firearms to protect them from a white mob back during the worst days of the civil rights struggle.” (RELATED: Was Second Amendment drafted to ensure militias could preserve slavery?)

Gun-rights advocate Kira Davis echoed Keene’s claim in a December YouTube video, saying gun ownership is a “powerful” right that was initially denied to freed slaves by tyrannical whites.

“Guns are tools,” Keene continued. “Guns are something that can be used for good or for ill. It’s our contention in this country that history shows that in most instances, guns are used for good — to protect people and families.”

Americans are increasingly realizing that “when you need a cop in seconds, he’ll be there in minutes,” Keene added.

Look for the full interview with Keene exclusively on The Daily Caller on Monday, Feb. 4.

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