Omaha NE (SN) – The National Rifle Association has announced that it will be holding its annual convention at the Von Maur department store in Omaha’s Westroads Mall later this year. The location was finalized just days after Nebraska Governor Pete Rickett’s invitation to the organization.
“We want your convention in Nebraska. Nebraskans love our constitutional rights,” Ricketts tweeted Friday morning.
The Von Maur location reserved for the event made headlines in December of 2007 when nineteen-year-old Robert A. Hawkins shot and killed eight people and wounded four, two of them critically, before committing suicide. It was the deadliest mass murder in Nebraska’s history.
“Our members are very excited about this opportunity to look into the past on the ground floor of an actual tragedy,” said spokesman Jason Brown. “We can get a first hand look at how more guns in the hands of citizens would have saved lives. If that counter girl was packing a Glock 19 semi automatic pistol 9mm Luger while giving out make up samples she might still be alive today. If that man who wandered in the store looking for a gift for his wife was packing a Bushmaster minimalist-SD AR-15 Semi Automatic Rifle he would probably still be alive today. Having our convention here really puts all that into a unique context.
“If you think about it, this will be the safest day in the history of this mall’s existence. Hundreds of gun owners to keep everyone safe. I’m bringing the entire family, and letting my wife buy another unnecessary pair of $120 shoes,” said Brown.
The NRA were quick to respond to individuals condemning the choice of venue.
“There have literally been fifty four mass shootings in the United States since the Westroads Mall massacre, most of them much deadlier. Snowflakes have had plenty of time to get over it,” said Brown. “The Midwestern chain has been nothing but hospitable about the event and we are already in discussion with the corporate office about our new “arm every cashier” campaign.
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