Following the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, former President Trump said he will speak at the National Rifle Association‘s annual meeting in the Lone Star State while other Republicans backed out.
Trump, who is headlining the NRA Institute for Legislative Action’s “Leadership Forum” in Houston Friday, shared the news Wednesday on his social media app.
“America needs real solutions and real leadership in this moment, not politicians and partisanship. That’s why I will keep my longtime commitment to speak in Texas at the NRA Convention and deliver an important address to America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “In the meantime, we all continue to pray for the victims, their families, and for our entire nation—we are all in this together!”
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National radio host Todd Starnes lauded Trump for his commitment and words.
“He’s right. We are, and that’s the kind of message Joe Biden should’ve delivered last night instead of literally throwing a firebomb into the culture.”
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Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) will not be attending the NRA convention, Politico reports.
“Prior to the tragedy today in Uvalde we had already informed the NRA he would not be able to speak due to [an] unexpected change in his schedule,” Cornyn spokesperson Drew Brandewie said. “He now has to be in D.C. for personal reasons on Friday.”
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Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) will also not be attending because he is still on a trip to Ukraine.
A spokesperson for Crenshaw informed the NRA prior to the shooting that he would not make it back in time, according to the outlet.
Both Cornyn and Crenshaw were listed as speakers in the NRA-ILA’s press release earlier this month.
Trump will be joined by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R), and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R).
Democrats were quick to pin the deadliest school shooting in Texas history on Republicans and the NRA.
“The other side is all too ready to bow in obeisance to the NRA,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Wednesday from the Senate floor.
President Biden on Tuesday night called on the nation to “stand up to the gun lobby.”
NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre celebrated Trump’s sixth time addressing NRA members for the annual meeting.
“President Trump delivered on his promises by appointing judges who respect and value the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and in doing so helped ensure the freedom of generations of Americans,” LaPierre said. “NRA members are excited to hear him speak and thank him for his support for our right to keep and bear arms.”