The annual convention of the National Rifle Association begins on Friday in Houston, and leaders of the powerful gun-rights lobbying group are preparing to “reflect on” — and deflect any blame for — the deadly shooting of 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, earlier this week.
Former President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans are slated to speak at the three-day firearms marketing and advocacy event, which is likely to attract anti-gun activists.
Some speakers and artists have canceled their appearances, including two Texas senators and “American Pie” singer Don McLean, who said it would be “disrespectful” to perform in the wake of the country’s latest deadly killing.
While President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats have resumed calls for stronger gun regulations, NRA board member Phil Journey believes the focus should be on improving mental health treatment and preventing gun violence. He stated that he would oppose any bans or restrictions on gun ownership.
People attending the gun show will “reflect on” the Uvalde School shooting, “pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure,” the NRA stated in an online statement.
People who planned to participate got their registration badges and NRA souvenirs, such as “Suns Out Guns Out” T-shirts, on Thursday. Metal barriers have already been erected across the street from the convention center, near a park where demonstrators are expected to congregate on Friday.
Gary Francis drove from Racine, Wisconsin, with his wife and friends to attend the NRA gathering. In response to the Uvalde shooting, he stated that he opposes any gun control legislation.
“Clearly, what happened there was awful,” he remarked. “However, the NRA had no part in it.” It has nothing to do with the folks who came here.”
In recent years, Texas has seen a number of mass shootings. The Republican-controlled legislature and governor have relaxed gun laws.
The NRA has met before in the midst of local grieving and controversy. A week after the horrific massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado, the group held a condensed version of its 1999 meeting in Denver. At the time, NRA president Charlton Heston reminded delegates that “terrible crimes” should not be used to restrict constitutional rights, and he chastised detractors for portraying NRA members as “villains.”
Although the tragedy in Uvalde “puts the meeting in a horrible light,” Rocky Marshall, a former NRA board member, said it’s not a justification to cancel it. Marshall believes that if gun rights supporters and opponents focus on issues like mental illness and school security, they may be able to reduce gun violence.
“Throwing rocks at the NRA won’t prevent the next mass massacre,” he explained. “Throwing rocks at gun-hating people isn’t going to stop the next mass tragedy.”
However, Larry Gatlin, a country music musician who canceled his presence at the event, expressed optimism that “the NRA may rethink some of its outmoded and ill-thought-out beliefs.”
“While I agree with most of the NRA’s stances, I’ve come to realize that, while background checks won’t stop every crazy person with a gun, they’re at least a start in the right direction,” Gatlin said.
Lee Greenwood and Larry Stewart, two country music artists, have also withdrawn, according to Variety.
The NRA’s executives, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “are contributing to the problem of gun violence rather than working to address it.” She accused them of serving gun makers’ interests, accusing them of “selling weapons of war to young adults.”
Two Republican Texas politicians who were supposed to speak Friday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, have canceled their appearances due to scheduling conflicts, according to their staff.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who was scheduled to speak at the conference, will instead deliver a prerecorded video message, according to his spokeswoman.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was named as a speaker, and Trump confirmed his attendance on Wednesday. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, has also confirmed that she will speak at the NRA gathering on Friday.
Despite the fact that personal firearms are authorized at the conference, the NRA has stated that due to Secret Service security regulations, guns will not be permitted during the session featuring Trump.
Several organizations have stated that protests will be held outside the convention center.
“This is not the correct time or location for this conference,” Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL, a Houston-based civil rights organization that plans to protest, said. “We need more than politicians’ thoughts and prayers; we need action to address the public health disaster that is harming our communities.”
Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who is running against Abbott for governor of Texas in 2022, said he would attend a demonstration outside the convention on Friday.
The city of Houston, according to Democrat Mayor Sylvester Turner, is bound to host the NRA event, which has been under contract for more than two years. However, he advised politicians to avoid it.
“You can’t go from praying and sending condolences to promoting weapons the next day.” “That’s incorrect,” Turner stated.
Shannon Watts, the founder of the gun-control group Moms Demand Action, said she isn’t shocked the NRA’s meeting isn’t being canceled.
“The real question now is which political leaders will choose to join with violence this weekend in Houston and kiss the ring instead of siding with communities calling out for public safety,” Watts stated.
