Police response below mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it would be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 youngsters and two adults have been killed in a mass shooting in the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night time during the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom concert. However these plans changed when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on kids within the worst mass capturing at an American school in practically a decade.

“In mild of the latest events in Texas, I have decided it might be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a statement. “I’m positive all the folks planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. After all, we are all Individuals.”

McLean is amongst a few performers who’ve announced they will no longer carry out at this weekend’s convention. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Heart also stated Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin stated he was additionally dropping out on account of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he said. “I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, however the 2nd modification should not apply to everybody. It’s that easy.”