A news release Wednesday publicizing a campaign by the National Rifle Association and Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. to give away free guns in poor communities is an elaborate hoax.

A website and video promised to give away a Smith & Wesson US:SWHC gun for each one purchased beginning July 4, with the ability to choose recipients in 11 poor communities in the United States. The news release also said that the campaign would look to arm others.