Police response under mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing at the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it might be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 children and two adults were killed in a mass taking pictures in the state.

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

“In light of the current events in Texas, I've decided it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, stated in an announcement. “I’m positive all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as well. After all, we are all Americans.”

McLean is amongst a few performers who’ve announced they are going to not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Heart also stated Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin said he was additionally dropping out attributable to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned. “I’m a 2nd Modification guy, however the 2nd amendment shouldn't apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”