House candidate ends NRA membership after Calif. shooting

A Democratic Congressional candidate is resigning his membership to the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the wake of a mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., earlier this week.

Nevada Democrat John Oceguera announced late Thursday he is dissociating himself from the organization a day after gunmen killed at least 14 in California.

{mosads}“I am a law-abiding gun owner and a life member of the NRA who grew up in a family of hunters,” he said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

“But more importantly, I am a husband and father,” Oceguera continued. “Keeping our families safe is our most fundamental priority.

“I cannot continue to be a member while the NRA refuses to back closing loopholes that allow the mentally ill, criminals and terrorists to buy guns in this country. Effective immediately, I am resigning my membership in the NRA.”

Oceguera highlighted the nation’s ongoing struggles with significant gun violence as a major factor in his decision. He called on Congress to focus on tightening gun control laws and prevent more bloodshed in the future.

“Gun violence has become a sickening epidemic in our country that we cannot ignore,” Oceguera wrote. “The American people are left reeling after these senseless mass shootings far too often, more than 350 times so far just this year.

“Enough is enough,” he added. “We need our leaders in Congress to enact common sense measures to make these tragedies less routine and protect our families and loved ones. Inaction is inexcusable.”

At east 14 died and 21 more were wounded during an attack on the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday.

Police killed two suspects — later identified as Syed Farook, 28, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, 27 — in a shootout in Redlands, Calif., later that night.

Oceguera’s message Thursday concluded with a push for campaign donations.

Oceguera is seeking the Democratic nomination for the House seat representing Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

He is a retired North Las Vegas firefighter who served as the Nevada Assembly Speaker in 2011.

Oceguera is in a four-way primary for a shot at challenging freshman Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-Nev.) in a Democratic-leaning district, The Associated Press reported Friday.