Activist Group Plans Demonstration at Firearms Foundation

In past weeks, demonstrators like Andrew and Catherine Morosky (pictured) have made a presence outside the National Shooting Sports Foundation's headquarters on Mile Hill Road. Now advocacy group Newtown Action Alliance says it will join the "growing number of Newtown residents" in a planned demonstration at the site Thursday. 

"We call on all concerned citizens who are tired of politicians catering to the gun lobby to bring their signs and join us," said the group in a statement released Tuesday. The Newtown Action Alliance says the demonstrations are timed to coincide with the organization Mayors Against Illegal Guns' declared "National Demand Action Day."

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is "the trade organization for the firearms industry," according to its website, which says its mission is to "promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports." The organization has more than 7,000 members, ranging from firearms manufacturers to shooting ranges.

Last week the organization launched a radio ad encouraging supporters to petition Connecticut lawmakers to avoid expanded gun control laws.

"Political agendas have crept in" since Newtown, said the ad, adding expanded gun laws "would punish law-abiding citizens and threaten thousands of jobs in our state."

Since its formation in January, Newtown Action Alliance has hosted town hall meetings to discuss gun violence, and has pushed for federal and state legislation it says would prevent future incidents like the Dec. 14 shooting. The demonstration is planned for 4:30 p.m. Thursday outside the National Shooting Sports Foundation's headquarters at 11 Mile Hill Road. According to Newtown Action Alliance's Facebook page, at least 34 people have indicated attendance.