Gun activists featured in the documentary “Under the Gun,” hosted by Katie Couric, said the editing of their response to a question was deceptive and misrepresented.
The scene of the film was a roundtable discussion with Couric and members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-firearms group.
The news anchor is seen asking the members “If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?”
The clip shows the individuals sitting awkwardly in complete silence for nine seconds.
However, in a raw audio recording released by the Washington Free Beacon, directly after Couric is heard asking the question, the members are quick to respond.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League said the altered clip was “unbelievable and extremely unprofessional.”
Philip Van Cleave, the organization’s president, said the editing was done purposefully to make it seem like members didn’t have a response to Couric’s question, according to the Free Beacon.
Meanwhile, the documentary director, Stephanie Soechtig, told the Washington Post that the pause was so viewers could consider the question. Couric supported the director’s statement and said she is “very proud of the film.”
“Under the Gun” premiered on May 15 month on Epix.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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