The website advertising an NRA-branded Visa credit card issued by First National Bank of Omaha disappeared on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after ThinkProgress reported the bank’s support of the gun lobby.
The bank is one of 22 companies that the NRA uses to promote its membership by touting discounts and special offers. On Tuesday, a website emblazoned with the NRA logo encouraged customers to “carry the official credit card of the NRA.” The site promoted two cards — one offering five percent back on gas and sporting goods store purchases, and another offering a low intro APR.
By midday on Wednesday, the website was gone with an error message appearing in its place.
Representatives for First National Bank of Omaha, its credit card division First Bankcard, and Visa did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.
On Twitter, the bank responded to dozens of customers who threatened to cancel their accounts or expressed disappointment in the relationship.
We appreciate you taking the time to voice your concerns. First National Bank issues the NRA Visa Card to the organization members. I will make sure to pass your feedback on to our leadership team.
— First National Bank (@FNBOmaha) February 21, 2018
“Y’all support children being murdered at rapid rates,” one Twitter user wrote. The bank responded: “We appreciate you taking the time to voice your concerns. We value you as a customer and your opinions are important.”
ThinkProgress asked the 22 corporations that the NRA says offer incentives to NRA members whether they plan to continue their relationships with the gun lobby. Some denied a relationship, despite the NRA’s messaging, and many others have not responded.
The NRA, a group with an uncompromising stance on gun safety legislation, has been under increased scrutiny since a shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida left 17 people dead. The mayor pro tem of Dallas said Tuesday that the NRA will be “met with opposition” if it goes forward with plans to hold its annual conference, scheduled for May, in the city. In an unusual move, the group agreed this week to participate in a CNN forum on the shooting alongside student advocates for gun control.
UPDATE: On Thursday, First National Bank of Omaha confirmed, via Twitter, that it “will not renew its contract” with the NRA due to “customer feedback.”