But these mistakes and their consequences on suggestions place more armed police and teachers in schools not mentioned in speeches by Trump and other Republicans.
“Remember this: there are thousands of laws on books across the country that restrict ownership or using of firearms, laws that didn’t stop crazy people from carrying out atrocities on innocent people in peaceful communities,” he said.
Trump in his speech was called for a series of measures that largely mirrored what other Republicans were proposing throughout the day: schools with one entrance, with there is an armed guard, and the only way out fire runs away. He also some teachers said should have the right to carry firearms.
But Trump also nodded towards the political reality what gun human rights defenders form the core group for Republicans and for in former the president in specific. “You are the support of our movement,” he said on Friday.
Cruz, meanwhile, blamed it on a “cultural disease”, including the absence of a father. children and video games, for mass shootings. He said schools should have a single point of entry guarded by several armed guards.
South Dakota Gov. Christy Noem attacked lawyers of gun safety legislation.
“Let me tell you about truth about enemies of Second Amendment. they are studying in way of Marx and Lenin,” she said.
And NRA CEO Wayne Lapierre said that “if we as a nation were capable of of legislative evil out of hearts and minds of criminals who commit these heinous acts, we would have done it a long time ago.”
tale of two Americas
In the bitter division of the nation over guns, tale of the two Americas were on bright display in in downtown Houston as protesters waved signs and yelled at NRA members as they walked into the George R. Brown Convention Center. for their meeting and exposure.
“NRA, go away,” the woman said. over as well as over voice echoes in a megaphone under the scorching sun.
“Go away,” another woman called out. back when she crossed street enter event.
Three years have passed since the NRA last collected for its conditionality last two years were called off because of the Covid-19 pandemic — and thousands of people went down on Houston in show them support for Second amendment and shopping in spacious exhibition hall.
AT celebration of its 150th anniversary, the NRA passed big for meeting in Texas with a sign outside convention center promising “14 acres of guns and gear.”
Weapon of all shapes and sizes were on displayfrom vintage pistols to machine guns, with some are decorated in camouflage and others in American flags. hundreds of sellers set up booths for weekends, sale of ammunition and various of gun accessories.
“We believe that this week is not the right time to promote our products. in Texas at the NRA meeting.” — Steve Reid, Vice President. of marketing for Daniel Defense, told CNN.
A popcorn cart, a baked potato rack, and several tables and chairs were hurriedly set up in in space originally reserved for Daniel Defense, a company from Georgia.
As a result of shooting, that was the only noticeable change in the sprawling exhibition hall. But among the performers were well-known country artists Lee Greenwood and Larry Gatlin. who also canceled their shows.
“I didn’t think it was good time to go down to Houston and have party with they dig 21 fresh graves in in valley of my precious, beloved Texas Gatlin, of the famous Gatlin brothers told CNN.
conversations with several members of NRA – some from Texas and others who been to Houston for weekends event — found respectful expressions of empathy for the loss of life at the Uvalde school. Still man after man laid the blame on mental health problems and other issues – not weapons – for terrible shooting.
“It’s not that weapons are evil. tools what can be used for good or evil- just like machines, said Dr. Elizabeth Tom, who went to Texas from Elko, Nevada, for convention. “A lot of more people killed in car ruins but no one says that you should have a waiting period in order buy one or that all machines are evil because some people run over Another people with them.”
NRA member for about three decades, Tom said he didn’t believe that more gun restrictions would prevent future mass killings.
“I know this may be somewhat controversial, and I certainly don’t want hurt anyone’s feelings, but if any of If these teachers were armed, this could have ended a lot faster,” Tom told CNN. – We already have gun restrictions. shoot someone already illegal, so I’m not really sure what kind more They want.”
Not all participants shared this view.
Max Shirley, an NRA member from Round Rock, Texas, said that support “reasonable measures” to stop the cycle of school shootings. He said he thinks the age limit buy automatic weapon should raise to 21 and clip size for ammunition should be downgraded.
“If the person you are protecting against is not down or threat does not decrease after 10 rounds or 10 shots then you have more problemsShirley told CNN. – Or you bad fired.”
“I can’t believe they’re still here after Uvalde”
Thousands gathered outside the convention center for protest organized by gun advocacy watchdog groups “Moms Demand Action” and “March” for Our lives, as well as local teacher unions, Black Lives Matter chapters, and the Harris County Democratic Party.
Many said they were furious that the NRA on with his convention after the school shooting in state just days earlier.
“I can’t believe they are still here after Uvalde,” said Anastacia Castro, a 20-year-old woman.year-old college student whose brother was shot last year. “They insult the victims of gun violence like me being here in in city.”
Milan Narayan, 17-year-old student who leads the “Students Demand Action” chapter at his high school, where he says there is an occasional shooting took place last year said he understood the NRA convention was well booked in promote.
“But you can’t be deaf. I mean the children died,” he said.
One sign said: “I will vote you out because these 10year”The old ones will never get there.” Another said, “My little sister is afraid to go to school.”
Focus of protesters in Houston on Friday, in speeches and interviews on guns. Many have argued for ban on sale of Assault rifles.
“But the time for answer you and join us now. We can’t wait any longer for you,” he said. – These who will be victims of in next mass shooting, if we do not act, count on us in this moment. So please join us now or be left behind.”
This story and the title was updated with additional details.
David Wright of CNN contributed to this report.
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