Police response underneath mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the Nationwide Rifle Association’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids 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 perform Saturday night time during 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 School in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on kids within the worst mass shooting at an American college in almost a decade.

“In gentle of the latest occasions in Texas, I have determined it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, stated in a press release. “I’m certain all the folks planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we're all Americans.”

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

Gatlin stated he was also dropping out resulting from what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms” in the US.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he stated.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 everyone. It’s that simple.”