National Rifle Association takes back criticism of ‘open carry’ rallies

The most influential pro-gun group in the US has rolled back an earlier statement criticising "open carry" rallies in Texas in which gun rights advocates bring military-style assault rifles into public places.

Chris Cox, the executive director of the National Rifle Association's lobbying arm, said the statement was "a mistake" and was written by a staffer who was expressing his personal opinion.

"The truth is, an alert went out that referred to this type of behaviour as 'weird' or somehow not normal, and that was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened," said Cox, who added that the group "unequivocally" supports open-carry laws.

The open-carry rallies in restaurants and other businesses - part of a push for less restrictive gun laws, including legalising the open carrying of handguns - have prompted public criticism, and the NRA appeared to join in last week.

The statement appeared on the website of the group's lobbying arm, saying that the demonstrations were counterproductive, scary and "downright weird".

"Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common sense, it shows a lack of consideration and manners. That's not the Texas way. And that's certainly not the NRA way," the unsigned statement said.