Shortly after the tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut that left 26 innocents dead, the nation’s largest and most powerful gun lobby decided that a social media blackout was the way to go. The National Rifle Association stopped tweeting, and they unpublished their Facebook page making it inaccessible to everyone except page admins.

Today, they’re back on Facebook and the organization has made their first public statement on the Sandy Hook elementary shootings.

They posted a short statement to their 1.7 million Facebook fans just a few minutes ago, saying that they will offer “meaningful contributions” to ensure this “never happens again.”

The NRA is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters – and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown. 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 NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.

They also posted an image that says, “There’s never been a more important time. Join the NRA.”

They’ve also announced that they will hold a national press conference in Washington DC on Friday. Time TBA.