NRA: "Stand-Your-Ground" is a "fundamental human right"

The NRA accused Eric Holder of politicizing Trayvon Martin's death by calling for an end to the laws

Published July 17, 2013 7:45PM (EDT)

The National Rifle Association accused the Obama Administration of politicizing Trayvon Martin's death after Attorney General Eric Holder called for a possible end to the "Stand-Your-Ground" self-defense laws in states like Florida, where Martin was shot.

"The attorney general fails to understand that self-defense is not a concept, it's a fundamental human right," NRA executive director Chris Cox said in a statement. "To send a message that legitimate self-defense is to blame is unconscionable, and demonstrates once again that this administration will exploit tragedies to push their political agenda."

In a speech on Tuesday, Holder  said that it's time to take a "hard look" at the laws, which are currently active in at least 22 states. "[S]eparate and apart from the case that has drawn the nation's attention, it's time to question laws that senselessly expand the concept of self-defense and sow dangerous conflict in our neighborhoods," Holder said.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Civil Rights Department Of Justice Eric Holder George Zimmerman Nra Stand-your-ground Trayvon Martin