NRA: Some gun-rights activists acting 'downright weird'

WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- The National Rifle Association says activists who carry long guns into restaurants and similar businesses are hurting the cause.

In a statement on the website of its Institute for Legislative Action, the group cited two incidents in Texas. The NRA said that standing in line at a fast-food eatery next to someone with a 7.62 rifle slung across his chest is unusual and also "downright weird."

"As a result of these hijinx, two popular fast food outlets have recently requested patrons to keep guns off the premises," the group said. "In other words, the freedom and goodwill these businesses had previously extended to gun owners has been curtailed because of the actions of an attention-hungry few who thought only of themselves and not of those who might be affected by their behavior. To state the obvious, that's counterproductive for the gun owning community."

Open Carry Texas responded angrily: "The NRA has lost its relevance and sided with #guncontrolextremists and their lapdog media."

In one incident, employees at a restaurant locked themselves in a freezer and called police after activists carrying weapons showed up. Police determined the group had not broken any laws.