The National Rifle Association, breaking days of silence, issued a statement Tuesday saying it is "shocked, saddened and heartbroken" by the elementary-school shootings in Connecticut last Friday.

The White House threw its support behind several gun-control measures, including requiring background checks at gun shows and private sales-ideas likely to be opposed by most Republicans and the gun lobby. Collen McCain Nelson reports. Photo: Getty Images.

Watch a short collection of TV tributes honoring victims of the Newtown, Conn. Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Includes "Late Show With David Letterman," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," "The Voice" and "Survivor."

"Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting," the statement said. "The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again."

Many gun-control advocates, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have charged that the group has contributed to a regulatory climate of easy gun access that makes such shootings more likely.

The group said it will hold a news conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

Write to Devlin Barrett at