The National Rifle Association is looking at ways to stop the destruction of future guns, after a Tucson, Ariz., company destroyed more than 200 firearms turned in at a city buyback this week, an NRA national board member told TPM Thursday.
“We have plans to fix the problem of the destruction of the guns in the future, but I’m not going to give any details,” said Todd Rathner, who lives in Arizona and has served on the NRA’s board for 13 years.
Earlier this week, Rathner threatened to sue over the city’s buyback, claiming that Arizona law requires guns claimed by the police to be sold to licensed firearms dealers. Asked whether he is still considering the suit, Rathner told TPM: “We’re looking at all options.”
Tucson Police Department spokesman Sgt. Chris Widmer told TPM Thursday that City Attorney Michael Rankin concluded that guns turned in voluntarily do not need to be resold.
Rathner said the the issue isn’t about guns themselves but the law. “I never said guns have rights,” he added.
(Photo: Robert Woodward looks on as Tucson police officers strip a shotgun Woodward turned in at a gun buyback event on Jan. 8, 2013 in Tucson, Ariz. Participants were offered a $50 gift card to a grocery store in exchange for their guns. Credit: Will Seberger/ZUMA Press/Newscom)
