Thousands of visitors flocked to the event hall in the Texan city of Houston on Friday, which is around a four-hour drive from Uvalde. While a speech by ex-President Donald Trump was planned for the afternoon, there were several prominent cancellations.
More cancellations
For example, Texas governor Greg Abbott canceled his attendance at the annual meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center after the school massacre. The arch-conservative politician wanted to make a video speech.
Country star Don McLean (“American Pie”) also canceled. McLean stated that it would be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform at a concert scheduled for Saturday night. According to media reports, other country musicians such as Lee Greenwood and Larry Gatlin also canceled.
The weapons manufacturer Daniel Defense, from whose production the assault rifle used in the elementary school massacre came, had previously announced that it would not be taking part in the NRA annual meeting. “We believe this week is not the right time to promote our products at the NRA convention in Texas,” the company said.
Numerous manufacturers exhibit their weapons at the annual meeting. An approximately 60-year-old man was enthusiastic about a Hellion rifle on Friday. When asked if he already owned guns, he said, laughing, “I have firearms in every room of my house.”
The start of the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association (NRA) was accompanied by protests. Demonstrators gathered in front of the venue, among other things showing photos of the children killed in Uvlade. A woman held up a placard that read “No to guns.”
An 18-year-old killed 19 children and two teachers with an assault rifle at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on Tuesday. He was eventually shot dead by police – but only about an hour after he entered the school, which has led to growing criticism of the emergency services.
The worst US school shooting in a decade has sparked outrage across the country and sparked renewed debate about lax gun laws in the US. The NRA held on to its three-day annual meeting despite the carnage. The organization, which is as influential as it is controversial, has been successfully fighting tightening gun laws for decades.
Source: Nachrichten
