Photo credit: JIM WATSON

From ELLE

Following the Parkland school shooting tragedy earlier this year, the National Rifle Association is suing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Financial Services as a repercussion for urging New York companies to deny business with the NRA. The gun rights group is citing “tens of millions of dollars in damages," in a court filing first reported by Rolling Stone.

The organization claims to be in such deep financial trouble that it may "be unable to exist… or pursue its advocacy mission," and also blame Gov. Cuomo and financial regulators for leading a "blacklisting campaign."

The NRA claims in its lawsuit that it has been subject to a "discrimination campaign" that has caused damages named as follows: "Such damages include, without limitation, damages due to reputational harm, increased development and marketing costs for any potential new NRA-endorsed insurance programs, and lost royalty amounts owed to the NRA, as well as attorneys’ fees, legal expenses, and other costs."

The exact, actual financial state of the NRA is not known beyond the alleged losses specified in the organization’s court claim. Some warn the move by the NRA may be a ploy to receive donations. Parkland survivor and March For Our Lives advocate David Hogg tweeted his disapproval and urged Americans not to believe the guns rights group.

The NRA is trying to fool us into believing this DO NOT believe it. The NRA is still one of the greatest threats to American lives today. They simply need donations now that Maria Butina and @torshin_ru have been reviled. https://t.co/435OiqYAJx

- David Hogg (@davidhogg111) August 4, 2018

After New York State worked to dismiss the lawsuit on Friday, Governor Cuomo had a spot-on response."If the NRA goes bankrupt because of the State of New York, they'll be in my thoughts and prayers," he said. "I'll see you in court."

Story continues

Related Video: How Preisdents Have Reacted to Gun Violence



('You Might Also Like',)