The National Rifle Association will be holding its annual meeting this weekend less than 300 miles away from Uvalde, where a lone gunman killed 19 children and two adults at an elementary school Tuesday.
The gun lobbyist group’s meeting is scheduled to run Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The annual meeting was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
“Although an investigation is underway and facts are still emerging, we recognize this was the act of a lone, deranged criminal,” the NRA said in a statement. “As we gather in Houston, we will reflect on these events, pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure.”
Several protests outside the convention center are planned, while members will be looking at gun exhibits and listening to conservative lawmakers.
Who is going to the NRA meeting?
The annual convention is only open to NRA members, of which there are currently nearly five million, according to the NRA website. An estimated 55,000 NRA members will attend the event, where Texas politicians like Sen. Ted Cruz will make appearances. Gov. Greg Abbott was scheduled to speak but is now only sending videotaped remarks that will air at the convention, instead of attending.
The governor’s office said late Thursday that he will instead go back to Uvalde Friday for a 3:30 p.m. news conference to talk about state efforts to support the community..
“My heart, my head and my body are in Uvalde right now,” Abbott said.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Friday announced he would also be pulling out of the conference.
“After prayerful consideration and discussion with NRA officials, I have decided not to speak at the NRA breakfast this morning,” Patrick said in a statement. “While a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and an NRA member, I would not want my appearance today to bring any additional pain or grief to the families and all those suffering in Uvalde.”
Others attending include North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
Former president Donald Trump made a speech at a “Leadership Forum” on Friday. “America needs real solutions and real leadership in this moment, not politicians and partisanship,” Trump said on social media.
Sen. John Cornyn was also scheduled to speak but will no longer attend because of an “unexpected change” in his schedule, WFAA reported. Rep. Dan Crenshaw will be in Ukraine at the time of the conference, according to Politico.
Who isn’t going to the NRA meeting?
All but one of the musicians who were set to sing at the NRA meeting canceled their performances, which prompted the NRA to cancel its concert Saturday. The only musician slated to perform was country singer Jacob Bryant.
One of the performers who canceled was rock singer Don McLean, best known for his 1971 hit song “American Pie.”
“In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week. I’m sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans,” said Don McLean in a statement to CNN. “I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation.”
Texan Larry Gatlin, country and Southern gospel singer of the Gatlin Brothers, has also canceled his plans to perform. Gatlin told CNN that he “cannot, in good conscience, perform at the NRA convention in Houston this weekend.”
“While I agree with most of the positions held by the NRA, I have come to believe that, while background checks would not stop every madman with a gun, it is at the very least a step in the right direction toward trying to prevent the kind of tragedy we saw this week in Uvalde — in my beloved, weeping TEXAS,” Gatlin said. “I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, but the 2nd Amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”
Country singer Larry Stewart, best known for his role as lead singer of the country pop band Restless Heart, has also chosen not to attend.
“Due to the tragedy in Uvalde I want to honor the victims, families, the town and our friends in Texas the best I know how,” he said on Twitter. “So I have made the decision to pull out as a performer for the NRA convention this weekend. I just believe this is best for me at this time.”
Country artist Danielle Peck said in a statement announcing her withdrawal: “After much thought, as a both a mother and out of respect for all of the families in Uvalde, TX during the heartbreaking time, I have made the decision to not host or perform at the NRA Event in Houston this weekend. Instead, my thoughts and prayers will be with the families going through this tragic and unimaginable time right now.”
Country music singer Lee Greenwood also pulled out of his scheduled appearance, saying in a statement: “As a father, I join the rest of America in being absolutely heartbroken by the horrific event that transpired this week in Texas.”
T. Graham Brown said in a statement: “Sheila and I grieve with the families, city of Uvalde, the state of Texas, and our nation. We are very sensitive to the feelings of the good people who lost loved ones, therefore I am opting out of the concert in Houston on Saturday. I believe that the families are deserving of time to grieve. It is a sad week for everyone. May God bless us all as we seek answers.”
The NRA convention showcase of guns and gear from popular companies originally featured a Daniel Defense booth. Now, the manufacturer of the Uvalde shooter’s rifle is no longer part of the exhibit.
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 5:37 PM.
