BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The US National Rifle Association says it's prepared to offer what it calls "meaningful contributions" towards preventing future massacres.

In a statement, the group says it will hold a news conference on Friday, although specific details haven’t been announced. The response marks a sharp change in tone for the US’s largest gun rights group.

After several days of silence following the Connecticut shooting, the NRA has become a focal point for criticism from those seeking stronger laws. The association says its delay in responding was out of respect for the families of the victims.

The national rifle association has around 4 million members. It’s been ranked as the US’s most powerful lobbying organization.

(Source: CNTV.cn)