The CEO of the National Rifle Association gave a stern warning to terrorists, violent protesters, and the “leftist media” in a speech Friday.
“We’ll fight the violent left,” said Wayne LaPierre, who spoke at the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC.
“If you’re a member of the leftist media, or a soldier for the violent left, a violent criminal, a drug cartel gang member, or a would-be terrorist, hear this: You’re not going to win and you will not defeat us,” he added.
LaPierre also vowed that the NRA will have President Donald Trump’s back during his tenure as president, “for the next eight years.”
The gun advocacy organization supported Trump during the election by giving the then-candidate an early presidential endorsement and remaining one of his biggest supporters throughout the campaign.
Just hours earlier, on the same CPAC stage, Trump had referred to both LaPierre and the NRA by name.
“The NRA has been a great supporter, they love our country,” Trump said.
LaPierre went on to say that the dangers Americans face today may be the gravest they have ever seen.
“With all the threats facing America today, you’re right to protect yourself and your family may be more relevant and more urgently needed than ever before. Americans know … that’s why they joined the National Rifle Association,” LaPierre said.
He also warned the auditorium of conservative activists to watch out for the other side of the political aisle.
“The left’s message is absolutely clear, they want revenge … they say you’re what’s wrong with America, and now you’ve got to be purged,” LaPierre said.
He said that threats of violence and terror will be met with “the full force of American freedom in the hands of the American people.”
“We will win because we are the majority in this country,” LaPierre added.
CPAC, the largest annual national gathering of conservative activists, runs from Wednesday to Saturday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington.
