Donald Trump.Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty
Donald Trumpis scheduled to headline a forum at the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting in Houston on Friday, three days after agunman killed 19 students, a teacher and another adult at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
The NRA previouslyannounced Trump’s participationas a headliner at its Institute for Legislative Action Leadership Forum, taking place on Friday.
“It is truly an honor to have President Trump address NRA members for the sixth time,” NRA Executive Vice President & CEO Wayne LaPierre said in a statement. “NRA members are excited to hear him speak and thank him for his support for our right to keep and bear arms.”
For more on the shooting massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
On Wednesday, Trump confirmed his plans to attend the first day of the event, which will be held at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center May 27th, 28th and 29th.
“America needs real solutions and real leadership in this moment, not politicians and partisanship,” he wrote in a post on his social media platform,Truth Social. “That’s why I will keep my longtime commitment to speak in Texas at the NRA Convention and deliver an important address to America. In the meantime, we all continue to pray for the victims, their families, and for our entire nation — we are all in this together!”
Other prominent Republicans, including Texas Gov.Greg Abbottand Texas Sen.Ted Cruz, are also expected to attend on Friday.
Reps for Abbott and Cruz did not return PEOPLE’s request to confirm their plans to join what organizers called a “celebration of Second Amendment rights.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.Lynda M. Gonzalez-Pool/Getty
Cruztweeted Wednesday, saying he and his wife Heidi Cruz were “fervently lifting up in prayer the children and families in the horrific shooting in Uvalde” and thanking law enforcement and first responders.
Ted Cruz.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty
The Uvalde gunman died after the rampage, and it’s believed that police killed him.
Rep.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezof New Yorkretweeted his postand asked about Cruz’s attendance at the NRA event.
“Aren’t you slated to headline a speaking gig for the NRA in three days — in Houston, no less?” she wrote. “You can do more than pray. Faith without works is dead.”
PresidentJoe Bidenexpressedanguish over the Uvalde shootingon Tuesday and the loss of so many young lives.
“Beautiful, innocent second, third, and fourth graders. How many scores of little children who witnessed what happened, see their friends die, as if they’re in a battlefield for God’s sake?” Biden asked at the top of his nearly eight-minute address.
STEFANI REYNOLDS/getty
Among the activities listed on the event’s website is “the NRA Foundation’s popularWall of Guns.”
“A $20 ticket gives you the chance to win a prize from the wall featuring over 60 firearms,” reads the event’s page on the site.
“The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of the latest guns and gear from the most popular companies in the Industry,” reads a description of the events. “From entertainment to special events, it’s all happening in Houston over Memorial Day weekend. Make plans now to join fellow Second Amendment patriots for a freedom-filled weekend for the entire family as we celebrate Freedom, Firearms, and the Second Amendment!”
source: people.com
