At NRA, Trump slams Clinton for 'heartless' gun restrictions

The gun rights organization endorsed the presumptive Republican nominee ahead of his remarks, despite Trump's previous support for measures like an assault weapons ban that the NRA vigorously opposes.

Trump centered his remarks on Clinton, claiming she would seek to "abolish" the Second Amendment through the Supreme Court and release violent criminals if elected president.

Senior policy adviser Maya Harris said Clinton believes "there are common-sense steps we can take at the federal level to keep guns out of the hands of criminals while respecting the Second Amendment."

Among the measures Clinton supports are expanding background checks to sales at gun shows and online purchases, and reinstating a ban on assault weapons.

Chris Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist, said that for those who preferred other candidates to Trump, "It's time to get over it."

Since the early primary states, Trump used his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., both avid hunters and outdoorsmen, to connect with the gun community and counteract their father's image as an elite Manhattanite.