Police response beneath mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

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

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folks rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday evening throughout the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom live performance. However those plans modified when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary College in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on youngsters in the worst mass capturing at an American school in almost a decade.

“In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it will be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a statement. “I’m sure all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as well. After all, we're all Americans.”

McLean is amongst a number of performers who’ve announced they may no longer perform at this weekend’s conference. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Heart additionally said Thursday that they had been 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Gatlin mentioned he was additionally dropping out on account of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned.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