With protesters shouting outside, the National Rifle Association began its annual convention in Houston on Friday, three days after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school on the other side of the state, renewing the national debate over gun violence.
Former President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders lined up to speak at the event. Leaders of the gun rights lobbying group planned to “reflect on” - and deflect any blame for - the school shooting in Uvalde. Hundreds of protesters angry about gun violence demonstrated outside, including some holding crosses with photos of the shooting victims.
The NRA said that people attending the gun show would “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.” “We all share these rights, so to be respectful of other people's rights is to respect other people's lives, and I think with that kind of mentality, we should be here,” he said.
Texas has experienced a series of mass shootings in recent years. During that time, the Republican-led Legislature and governor have relaxed gun laws. Country music singer Larry Gatlin, who pulled out of a planned appearance at this year's convention, said he hoped “the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions.”
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