The NRA highlighted in its note that, although investigations into this event are ongoing, it is the “act of a deranged lone criminal”
A man handles a rifle inside the Sig Sauer booth during the National Rifle Association (NRA) annual meeting
The National Rifle Association (NRA) confirmed Wednesday that it is going ahead with its annual convention in Houston (Texas, USA), scheduled for this weekend, despite criticism of yesterday’s shooting at a school.
In a statement posted on Twitter, The NRA expressed its “deepest” sympathy for the families and victims of the “horrible and wicked crime” at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old man broke in Tuesday and opened fire with a rifle causing death. death of 19 children and two teachers.
The NRA highlighted in its note that, despite the fact that investigations into this event are still under way, it is the “act of a deranged lone criminal.”
“As we gather in Houston, we will reflect on these events, pray for the victims, give the floor to our patriotic members, and promise to redouble our commitments to make schools safe,” the powerful lobbyist said. /p>
Since the tragedy in Uvalde, numerous voices have urged the NRA to cancel its annual forum, where former US President Donald Trump (2017-2021) and Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, among others.
Former US President Donald Trump
Abbott was interrupted this Wednesday at a press conference in Uvalde by former Democratic congressman Beto O’Rourke, current candidate for the governorship of Texas, who told him that this tragedy was predictable.
Last night, hours after the shooting, O’Rourke on Twitter urged Abbott to cancel his appearance at the NRA convention in Houston.
The “lobby” was also the target of criticism from Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who in an address on the floor Wednesday said Republicans are more concerned with pleasing the NRA than with “families who they mourn the victims of gun violence.”
Schumer recalled that nearly 30 years ago Congress passed the Brady Act banning assault weapons nationwide. (this regulation, approved in 1994, expired ten years later when it was not renewed by Congress), which he described as “a great legislative achievement.”
However, he assured that today nowadays it is almost impossible to push any regulation forward because of the NRA and the legislators influenced by this pressure group.
The US Congress has not approved a law for more than two decades that significantly limits the possession of weapons, protected in the Second Amendment of the Constitution.
In addition, the NRA has helped finance the political campaigns of hundreds of members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, according to the Open Secrets database maintained by the Center for Responsible Politics.
< p class=”paragraph”>(With information from EFE)