Police response under mounting criticism as Biden plans visit

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

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 people rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night in the course of the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom live performance. But those plans modified when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on youngsters within the worst mass shooting at an American faculty in almost a decade.

“In gentle of the latest events in Texas, I have determined it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, stated in a statement. “I’m certain all the folks planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as effectively. In any case, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is among just a few performers who’ve announced they may not perform at this weekend’s convention. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Heart additionally stated Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin stated he was also dropping out due to what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he stated. “I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, however the 2nd amendment shouldn't apply to everybody. It’s that straightforward.”