Louisiana Rifle Association
The Louisiana Rifle Association appears in this research as a patriotic-sounding firearms organization that functioned as a front or financial shell for the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1960s, especially after Roy E. Davis's leadership shifted to figures such as Royal Young and J. D. Swenson following the Kennedy assassination, allowing Klan activity and bank accounts to operate under the cover of a rifle association while presenting itself publicly through language of patriotism, marksmanship, nonviolence, firearms education, and civic legitimacy rather than open white supremacist organizing.
The Louisiana Rifle Association (LRA) was a front for the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, the Klan organization led by Roy E. Davis[1] in the 1960s. After the Kennedy Assassination and Roy Davis shifted leadership to Royal Young and J. D. Swenson, the OKKK maintained bank accounts under the name of the LRA.[2]
The LRA is not to be confused with the National Rifle Association (NRA), but shared similarities in its alleged operation. Both groups declared themselves to be "patriotic" and non-violent. The NRA was founded in 1871 to advance rifle marksmanship and true patriotism, the modern NRA has become a prominent gun rights lobbying organization blending politics and sometimes religion with its original patriotic objective. the LRA was initially formed as the Westwego Rifle and Pistol Club, but dissolved shortly after Kennedy's death to become The Louisiana Firearms Museum & Research Center (LFMRC)
On July 18, 1892, Westwego Rifle and Pistol Club was formed. It was the first rifle and pistol club in Louisiana. The purpose of this organization was to equip its members with the best firearms available and to shoot at local targets. In 1896, the society organized a field trial for new pistols using .22 caliber bullets. This event marked the beginning of what is now known as the "Pistol Season." From 1896 through 1898, Westwego Rifle and Pistol Club held annual meetings at which new pistols were introduced and tested. In 1907, Westwego Rifle and Pistol Club changed its name to The Louisiana Rifle Association (LRA). In 1911, it merged with Baton Rouge Rifle and Pistol Club to form The Baton Rouge Gunsmiths Association (BRAG). The LRA continued operation until 1965 when it merged with The National Arms Showcase of Louisiana Incorporated to become The Louisiana Firearms Museum & Research Center (LFMRC).[3]
- US Gun Source