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MSNBC Anchor Distorts NRA Statement for Political Gain

Update: Bashir reads full NRA statement 12 minutes after he cut off two-thirds of it in interview

December 18, 2012

MSNBC anchor Martin Bashir cut off two-thirds of the NRA's statement on the Newtown shooting during an interview with with Rep. John Yarmuth (D., Ky.) Tuesday, then concluded, "That is their statement. I guess we carry on then, do we? Nothing changes?"

In the portion of the statement Bashir left out, the NRA said it "is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again."

MARTIN BASHIR: Well, Congressman, I don't know if it's the magical effect of your presence on our broadcast, but we have at this moment received a statement from the NRA. Here is the statement: "The National Rifle Association of America is made up of 4 million moms and dads, sons and daughters, and we were shocked, saddened, and heart broken by the news of the horrific, senseless murders in Newtown." That is their statement. I guess we carry on then, do we? Nothing changes? An expression of sympathy and no interest in any kind of resolution?

Full NRA statement (the removed portion is italicized):

The National Rifle Association of America is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters – and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown.

Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting.

The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.

Update (5:06 p.m.): Bashir later read the full NRA statement at 4:32 p.m., 12 minutes after he read the abbreviated version during his interview with Yarmuth: