Putin accuses U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of interfering in Russian politics.[38] April 29 – May 1: Nashville lawyer G. Kline Preston IV introduces Russian Senator Alexander Torshin to National Rifle Association (NRA) president David Keene at the NRA annual meeting in Pittsburgh.[39][40] A witness claims financial support for Torshin by the NRA was discussed.[41] May 7: Keene sends Torshin a handwritten letter offering to help in his endeavors.[41] December 8: Putin states that Clinton "set the tone for some opposition activists", and "gave them a signal, they heard this signal and started active work".[42]