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 Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it might be “disrespectful and hurtful” to carry out days after 19 youngsters and two adults were killed in a mass shooting in the state.

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

“In light of the latest occasions in Texas, I've determined it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, stated in a statement. “I’m sure all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as effectively. In spite of everything, we are all Individuals.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve introduced they will now not perform at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Coronary heart additionally stated Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin said he was also dropping out as a result of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the USA.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he stated. “I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, however the 2nd amendment shouldn't apply to everybody. It’s that straightforward.”