Police response under mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

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

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folks rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday night time through the NRA’s Grand Ole Evening of Freedom concert. But these plans changed when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on kids in the worst mass capturing at an American faculty in nearly a decade.

“In light of the recent occasions in Texas, I have decided it might be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in a statement. “I’m sure all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as effectively. In spite of everything, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is among just a few 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 Coronary heart additionally said Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin mentioned he was additionally dropping out on account of what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms” in the US.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he said. “I’m a 2nd Modification man, however the 2nd amendment mustn't apply to everyone. It’s that easy.”