The National Rifle Association’s (NRA) annual meeting will continue without Gov. Greg Abbott in attendance, according to a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
Instead, Abbott, who’s in Uvalde to assess the situation related to a fatal mass shooting at an elementary school there, will provide a pre-recorded message that’ll be played at the event, which runs from Friday (May 27) to Sunday (May 29).
Some musicians tabbed to perform at the convention have completely withdrawn, KHOU reported.
The station reported that singers Don MacLean and Lee Greenwood have issued statements regarding their decisions.
“In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” MacLean, who is best known for “American Pie,” said. “I’m sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans.”
Greenwood, the voice behind the patriotic staple “God Bless the U.S.A.”, said the tragedy in Uvalde left him “absolutely heartbroken” as did the rest of the country.
“I was scheduled to perform at NRA’s private event on Saturday with my band. After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to cancel the appearance out of respect for those mourning the loss of those innocent children and teachers in Uvalde,” he said, per KHOU.
Greenwood also called on Americans to remember those who gave their lives for the country during the Memorial Day weekend, the station reported.
KHOU reported that as of Thursday (May 26), former President Donald J. Trump is still scheduled to speak at the event, as is U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).
The gun rights group will hold the convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the event will proceed since “[it] has been on the books for more than two years,” according to KHOU, the Houston Daily reported.
