The NRA , which advocates for the rights of gun owners , issued a statement two days after the shooting saying : " The reports from Minnesota are troubling and must be thoroughly investigated . In the meantime , it is important for the NRA not to comment while the investigation is ongoing . " By contrast , the NRA has issued a statement within hours of the 2016 shooting of Dallas police officers ; many saw this as a double standard . On July 9 , 2017 , responding to allegations of racism , NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch said the death of Castile is " absolutely awful " . On August 10 , 2017 , Loesch explained NRA 's reluctance to defend Castile by arguing he was not legally carrying his handgun at the time of the shooting due to his marijuana possession . She added that his " Permit should 've been out & hands not moving " , and that the law enforcement officer should have asked Castile where his firearm was kept
2016 shooting of Dallas police officers
2016 shooting of Dallas police officers
Shooting of Philando Castile