Police response underneath mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing at the Nationwide Rifle Association’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it will be “disrespectful and hurtful” to carry out days after 19 youngsters and two adults have been killed in a mass capturing in the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night time in the course of the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom live performance. However those plans changed when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on children within the worst mass taking pictures at an American faculty in nearly a decade.

“In light of the latest events in Texas, I've determined it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in an announcement. “I’m certain all the folks planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these events as effectively. In spite of everything, we are all Americans.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve introduced they'll not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Coronary heart additionally mentioned Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin stated he was additionally dropping out on account of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned. “I’m a 2nd Modification man, however the 2nd amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that easy.”