In a blockbuster investigation published today, ProPublica reporter Corey G. Johnson revealed that, for years, American gun-makers secretly gave the names, addresses and other personal information of their customers to political operatives.
Johnson found that at least 10 businesses, including Glock, Smith & Wesson, Remington, Marlin and Mossberg, handed over gun owners’ data to the gun industry’s chief lobbying group, the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The NSSF then entered those personal details into what would become a massive database, which was used to help elect pro-gun politicians.
Some of the product registration forms that those hundreds of thousands of firearm customers filled out promised their information would be kept private. Other warranty cards said information could be shared with third parties for marketing and sales. But none of the cards Johnson reviewed informed buyers that their details would be used by lobbyists and consultants to win elections.
And some of those pro-gun candidates have secured major political victories for the industry — including blocking Congress from extending a ban on assault weapons sold to civilians.
