Police response underneath mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National Rifle Association’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it might be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 youngsters and two adults were killed in a mass capturing within the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folks rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday evening in the course of the NRA’s Grand Ole Evening of Freedom live performance. But 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 in the worst mass capturing at an American school in nearly a decade.

“In mild of the current occasions in Texas, I've decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a press release. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. After all, we are all Americans.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve announced they will not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Heart additionally stated Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin mentioned he was additionally dropping out as a result of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the US.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he said. “I’m a 2nd Modification guy, but the 2nd modification shouldn't apply to everybody. It’s that straightforward.”