In a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2016, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre voiced his concerns at the prospect of the current administration appointing a replacement for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

“He (Justice Scalia) was a darn good wing-shooter and a friend to the shooters of America. The thought of Obama replacing him is harrowing.”

Three of the current Supreme Court justices are over the age of 75, an ongoing concern for both parties as it presents the potential for the next president to tip the balance on the court by way of their appointee selections. “The thought of the next president putting two or more justices on the bench should scare the hell out of all of us,” LaPierre said.

He segued from that concern to an attack on the mainstream media, quoting Justice Scalia: “The only article in faith that plays any part in my judgement is the commandment, ‘thou shalt not lie.'” The NRA representative then accused the media of creating a “conniving web of spin” and being “agenda-driven.”

Before concluding, LaPierre challenged President Obama to a debate on guns, calling him a “political coward,” then cited the rising homicide rate in Chicago, and said, “Mr. President, you own Chicago, and that failure is on you.”

He left to a standing ovation, stating, “We will save our country and take our freedom back. Let’s do it together in November. The power is ours, and we can save this country.”