Opposition Grows Amid Mourning Atmosphere
U.S. Congress Resumes Discussion on Gun Control Bill
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The National Rifle Association (NRA), the largest gun lobby group in the United States, is scheduled to hold its annual meeting from the 27th to the 29th in Houston, Texas, according to a report by the British daily The Times on the 26th (local time). The meeting is taking place amid strong backlash across the U.S. as it coincides with the recent mass shooting at Rob Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 people, including 19 elementary school students, were killed.
The NRA’s largest event, advocating for gun ownership rights, is being held just 72 hours after the shooting at Rob Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and 2 teachers lost their lives, approximately 482 km away from the tragedy site.
The NRA is an organization representing the interests of gun manufacturers and a powerful lobbying group pushing for gun ownership liberalization based on conservative support. According to its official website, the NRA currently has 5 million members. Typically, this event includes a gun expo where the firearms industry promotes products and invites influential politicians to demonstrate their support. The Times reported that the NRA refused demands to cancel the event a day before the annual meeting.
Having suspended events during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NRA expects visits from gun manufacturers and enthusiasts as the event resumes this year, but strong resistance is anticipated due to the recent Texas tragedy.
The Times reported, "An anti-gun violence rally involving eight organizations is planned outside the venue." Beto O’Rourke, a candidate for Texas governor, is also expected to attend the protest. During a press conference on the 25th regarding the elementary school shooting, O’Rourke interrupted Republican Governor Greg Abbott, criticizing him by saying, "The governor said this incident was unpredictable, but it was completely predictable," and added, "You did nothing to stop (gun violence)."
In response to widespread social outrage following the mass shooting, some singers have refused to perform at the event. CNN reported, "At least four singers who were scheduled to perform at the NRA’s annual meeting this weekend have declined to appear."
Don McLean, an American singer-songwriter well known for 1970s hits such as "American Pie" and "Vincent," declined to perform, stating, "Given the recent events in Texas, I thought performing at the NRA event in Houston this week would be disrespectful and hurtful," and added, "I am sure everyone planning to attend this event is shocked by the incident."
Texas politicians, conscious of the NRA’s influence and its members’ votes, have traditionally attended the annual meeting, but amid rising public sentiment, some have decided not to attend this time. Republican Governor Greg Abbott, a prominent gun rights advocate, announced he would not attend the NRA annual meeting as originally planned and would instead revisit Uvalde to console the victims’ families. However, Texas Senator Ted Cruz is reported to be attending. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also plans to attend the NRA annual meeting.
Following this tragedy, the U.S. Congress has resumed discussions on gun control legislation. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Senate has formed a bipartisan group of 10 members from both the Democratic and Republican parties to draft legislation aimed at reducing gun violence. Led by Senator Chris Murphy (Democrat, Connecticut), the group plans to negotiate the agenda during the upcoming recess and prepare for a vote in early June. Although the Senate has not reached an agreement so far, years of negotiations have narrowed the discussion to expanding background checks and implementing red flag laws, which allow temporary confiscation of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous through court orders.
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