Three days following a shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, Robb Elementary, the National Rifle Association (NRA) started their annual convention in Houston. It is located roughly 280 miles from the school.
Former President Donald Trump went to the convention and spoke. The convention is set to run through Sunday despite the company dealing with decreasing revenue and memberships and being on the verge of a country wide gun reform debate.
During the event, Republicans who make the decision to not attend following the Uvalde shooting were criticized by Trump. “Unlike some, I didn’t disappoint you by not showing up,” he said.
He also referred to the most recent motivation for gun reformed as political.
Also, Trump claimed that the reform wants all guns to be confiscated and it would be the first step. He explained that once the first step was done there would be more. Also, that everyone would see a very different second amendment.
Sen. Ted Cruz Take on Gun Laws After Uvalde Shooting
Sen. Ted Cruz with Texas explained that they understand that removing guns from people who obey the law does not help to keep them out of the hands of criminals.
Texas Democratic leaders made their outrage clear in regards to the attendees of the NRA convention. Protestors, including children, also expressed their emotions on the situation.
Beto O’Rourke, the state’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, explained that power and profits are seeming to be more of a priority over lives. He also stated that he does not know if he will find common ground with those who operate in that manner. He made this statement earlier in the week while confronting Gov. Greg Abbott in regards to the response he gave about the shooting in Uvalde during a press conference.
Cruz Confronted At Restaurant Following Uvalde Shooting
On Friday evening, an activist approached Cruz at a Houston restaurant. An Indivisible Houston board member, Benjamin Hernandez, asked Cruz his reason for attending the NRA convention. Also, he pleaded that he support stronger laws for firearms. This would include mandatory background checks. Cruz attempted to respond numerous times just to be interrupted by Hernandez.
Then, security got involved and stepped between the pair as Hernandez asked Cruz numerous times, “Why does this keep happening?”
As Hernandez was being taken out of the restaurant by security, he yelled to Cruz that the death of the 19 children is on Cruz’s hands. He yelled it repeatedly.
On Saturday, he explained to CBS that he approached Cruz because he thinks the senator should be accountable for the shooting.
Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat with Texas, explained that she believes Washington will not stay separated on gun laws as of months prior to the midterm elections.
She explained that she hopes her senses of anger and anxiety will not conflict with them working on middle-grounds and ending it.
Written by Marrissa Kay
Sources:
CBS News: Children among protesters outside NRA convention as gun reform debate heats up after Texas school shooting
ABC News: NRA convention attendees, protesters speak on gun control in wake of Texas school shooting; by Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin, and Meredith Deliso
Newsbreak: Children among protesters outside NRA convention as gun reform debate heats up after Texas school shooting
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Ryan Crierie’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Matt A.J.’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
