The National Rifle Association (NRA) held its annual convention in Texas this week, just days after five people were killed in a shooting at a Louisville bank and six people, including three nine-year-olds, were tragically killed at a school in Nashville. The timing of the meeting also coincides with the two-year anniversary of another mass killing that took place in Indianapolis.
During the conference, NRA spokeswoman Jane Smith shared that President Trump has displayed a sign stating 'they're not after him; they're after us,' which she believes encourages people to vote for him. Former US Vice President Mike Pence was controversially booed during his speech at the event as he sought to present himself as an even stronger defender of gun rights than Donald Trump.
Pence and Trump are both considered top Republican hopefuls for the 2024 presidential race, with each candidate promising to defend Americans' right to bear arms without compromise. This year's NRA convention takes place amid an important moment within the Republican presidential campaign. Other potential candidates such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Tim Scott addressed attendees through video messages.
In light of recent shootings across America leading up to this gathering, some members have expressed disappointment with what appears as insensitivity on behalf of their organization. "It's disheartening seeing our leaders gather so soon after these terrible events," says concerned citizen Mark Johnson from Austin.
Despite criticism from gun control advocacy groups demanding similar financial support provided by former president Trump, many attendees still passionately believe that their Second Amendment rights must be protected no matter what obstacles stand before them or their organization.