Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will not attend the National Rifle Association convention on Friday and instead return to the city of Uvalde, a tight-knit community still morning the loss of the 21 people killed during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

Abbott, who is seeking re-election in November, will still appear via video at the three-day firearms marketing and advocacy event in Houston. His spokesman told The Dallas Morning News that the republican governor will record his remarks before heading to Uvalde, where he is slated to hold a press conference following a sit-down with residents, local officials and law enforcement officers.

An advisory issued by the governor’s office late Thursday made no mention of the NRA convention, but noted that his remarks to the press Friday afternoon will focus on the “state’s ongoing efforts to support the Uvalde community.”

The visit will mark Abbott’s second since alleged gunman Salvador Ramos used an AR-15 to shoot and kill two teachers and 19 students, all of them under the age of 10. Police said the 18-year-old suspect crashed his truck outside Robb Elementary School and then rushed to the entrance. Once inside the building he barricaded himself inside of a classroom, where he remained for up to an hour before he was fatally shot by responding officers.

In wake of the bloodshed, the NRA released a statement expressing its sympathies for the victims of such a “horrific and evil crime.”

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“Although an investigation is underway and facts are still emerging, we recognize this was the act of a lone, deranged criminal,” the statement read.

“As we gather in Houston, we will reflect on these events, pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure.”

Former President Donald Trump and other leading Republicans, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, are still expected to speak at the convention while U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw are no longer attending due to what their staffs called changes in their schedules.

Country singers Lee Greenwood and Larry Stewart have also withdrawn, Variety reported.

“American Pie” singer Don McLean said “it would be disrespectful” to perform at the gun event just days after the nation’s most latest mass shooting. Country music singer Larry Gatlin said that he hopes “the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions” in pulling out of the event.

“While I agree with most of the positions held by the NRA, I have come to believe that, while background checks would not stop every madman with a gun, it is at the very least a step in the right direction,” Gatlin said.

With News Wire Services



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