The National Rifle Association is facing criticism over a story featured in one of its magazine with the headline "Target Practice" next to an image of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The article appearing in the March issue of American Rifleman includes the headline near an image of Pelosi and other lawmakers including former Democratic House member Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot while meeting with constituents in 2011.

The focus of the story is on how congressional Democrats are cracking down on gun owners with new gun control legislation.

The article picked up attention on social media after Huffington Post senior politics reporter Jennifer Bendery shared an image of the article.

"Maybe don't do this @NRA," she wrote.

Other critics, including Nancy Pelosi's daughter, Christine, say the headline and photo could encourage violence.

"We must condemn this intentional, outrageous criminal incitement," Christine Pelosi wrote. "We cannot allow this hate speech to stop common sense gun violence prevention."

"Newsflash: They know what they're doing here," tweeted Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

The NRA could not be immediately reached for comment. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, called out critics of the article, noting it's about legislating gun owners and not the NRA targeting lawmakers.

"If your goal is to ensure that 'outrage culture' is alive and well, continuing to divide us, congrats," he wrote.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.