Police response beneath mounting criticism as Biden plans go to

The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing at the Nationwide Rifle Association’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 in the state.

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

“In gentle of the current events in Texas, I've decided it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in an announcement. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as properly. After all, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is amongst a number of performers who’ve announced they may now not carry out at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Coronary heart additionally mentioned Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin stated he was additionally dropping out on account of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned.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