WASHINGTON — The NRA’s fiery leader, Wayne LaPierre, stood his ground yesterday during a Senate hearing on proposed gun-control laws, blasting the federal government for failing to prosecute criminals.
LaPierre withstood the emotional appearance of critically wounded shooting victim and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in continuing to fight every aspect of any new gun regulations.
“People want to be able to protect themselves — that’s why people support the Second Amendment,” LaPierre said.
LaPierre took particular aim at what turned out to be a focus of the hearing: universal background checks. In 2011, he said prosecutions for illegal gun sales fell 35 percent, with only 44 prosecutions by the feds.
“You’re letting them go. They’re walking the streets,” LaPierre barked.