Police response under mounting criticism as Biden plans go to

The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the Nationwide 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 taking pictures in the state.

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

“In mild of the current occasions in Texas, I've determined it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a statement. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. In spite of everything, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is among just a few performers who’ve announced they will now not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Coronary heart additionally said Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin said he was also dropping out as a consequence of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the USA.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned.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