NRA, Florida face backlash after latest school shooting

NEW YORK (AP):

The National Rifle Association, and now the State of Florida, faced a growing backlash yesterday as companies cut ties to the gun industry following the latest school massacre, and student survivors called for tourism boycotts of their home state until gun-control measures are enacted.

The latest companies to end their ties with the NRA were Delta and United Airlines, two of the three largest US-based airlines.

Corporate ties to the NRA aren't the only elements undergoing scrutiny after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 dead on Valentine's Day.

A growing number of large companies have announced they are cutting or reducing ties with the NRA. Rental car company Hertz will no longer offer a discount programme to NRA members and First National Bank of Omaha, one of the nation's largest privately held banks, said it will not renew a co-branded Visa credit card it has with the NRA.

The moves have come as petitions circulated online targeting companies offering discounts to NRA members on its website. #BoycottNRA was trending on Twitter.

The State of Florida was also facing some backlash. One of the survivors of the Florida school shooting suggested last Saturday on Twitter that tourists stay away from the state. He got an immediate response.

"Let's make a deal," tweeted David Hogg, a Stoneman Douglas student who has been a major player in the #neveragain movement. "DO NOT come to Florida for spring break unless gun legislation is passed."

Wendy Glaab, 60, of Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, was among the first to respond. "I like that many Canadians travel to Florida from time to time to escape our winter. I can't speak for others, but I will not be returning until meaningful gun control legislation is in place."