NRA CEO criticizes NYC's Bloomberg on gun policies

NEW YORK (AP) -- The National Rifle Association's CEO is lashing out at New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a continuing exchange of criticisms after the Connecticut school shootings.

NRA chief executive Wayne LaPierre suggested Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that gun permit practices favor the well-connected over "the average guy" in New York City.

LaPierre says "the mayor's buddies" can get permits, but others who need protection can't. He didn't name anyone specifically.

A Bloomberg spokesman says New York's stringent gun laws have greatly helped reduce crime. He says LaPierre's remarks "show his stark disconnect from reality."

Bloomberg has long advocated for tougher national gun laws, and he and NRA leaders have had plenty of harsh words for each other over the years. The spotlight on both has intensified since last week's massacre.