NRA: Adam Lanza, Mother Were Not NRA Members

After search warrants of Adam Lanza’s home uncovered NRA certificates in Lanza and his mother’s names, as well as an NRA pistol shooting guide, the NRA did a records search and announced that neither Adam nor his mother were members of the NRA.

Although the discovery of the certificates and the guide led some to assume Lanza and his mom were members of the NRA, the gun rights group says the truth is completely otherwise: “There is no record of a relationship between Newtown killer Adam Lanza, nor between Nancy Lanza, A. Lanza or N. Lanza, with the National Rifle Association. Reporting to the contrary is reckless, false, and defamatory.” 

NRA certificates can be acquired by passing certain pistol safety and training courses around the country. These certificates do not necessarily represent an NRA membership, but rather signify that the NRA has endorsed the safety or training course.

Lanza and his mother may have acquired their certificates in this manner. 

Moreover, individuals who follow and complete the steps in the NRA’s “Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting” also receive a completion certificate. This is another possible explanation for how Lanza and his mom may have received their certificates.

Either way, the NRA is making it clear that the killer and his mom were not members of their organization.