NRA Makes Headway In Case Before Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to hear a free-speech case brought by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

On Monday, justices reviewed NRA claims that a former New York state official violated their free-speech rights by coordinating a pressure campaign to discourage banks and insurance companies from working with the gun rights advocacy group.

The complaint cites actions taken in 2018, which reportedly followed a mass shooting event in Parkland, Florida, according to The New Republic.

The NRA complaint centers on former New York State Department of Financial Services superintendent Maria Vullo, whom the NRA claims used the power of her office to “economically punish the group for its gun-rights stance in violation of the First Amendment,” according to Newsmax.

The complaint asserts that Vullo launched an investigation into the legality of NRA-endorsed insurance products, pressured insurance companies to cut ties with the NRA and promised favorable treatment to companies that followed her recommendations.

Vullo reportedly sent “guidance letters” to banks and insurance companies, warning administrators of the “reputational risks” of association with the NRA.

Neal Katyal, an attorney representing Vullo, claimed her actions were appropriate and that Vullo never improperly exerted pressure on companies.

A lower court ruled that Vullo enjoys immunity from litigation as a government official. The NRA appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

Newsmax reported that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) supports the NRA in this case.

Mark Miller, an attorney and former chief of staff for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), commended the ACLU for providing expert testimony during Monday’s oral arguments.

In a moment of levity, Justice Alito said to Katyal, “You say, in your brief, this case is not even close.” After a dramatic pause, Alito asked, “Do you stand by that?”

Katyal replied that he stood by his assertion that the case was not close.

When NRA attorney David Cole began his rebuttal, he quipped, “So I agree with my friend on one point: This case is not close.” His comments elicited laughter from the courtroom.

Cole clarified his position: “Government officials are free to encourage people not to support political groups they oppose. What they can not do is use their regulatory might to add ‘or else’ to that request,” he said.

CBS News captured the hearing in a video post.

The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a decision by late June.