Police response underneath mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing at the Nationwide Rifle Affiliation’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to carry out days after 19 kids and two adults have been killed in a mass taking pictures in the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 people rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night time through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom concert. But those plans modified when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary College in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on children within the worst mass taking pictures at an American school in almost a decade.

“In gentle of the recent occasions in Texas, I have determined it will be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in an announcement. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as effectively. In any case, we're all Americans.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve announced they will now not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Coronary heart additionally mentioned Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin mentioned he was also dropping out resulting from what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned.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