Police response under mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to carry out days after 19 kids and two adults had been killed in a mass shooting within the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 people rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday night time through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. But those plans changed when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on youngsters within the worst mass taking pictures at an American college in nearly a decade.

“In mild of the latest occasions in Texas, I have decided it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in an announcement. “I’m sure all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. In spite of everything, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve announced they will no longer carry out at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Heart also mentioned Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin mentioned he was also dropping out due to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he said.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