The NRA made the move after several arms manufacturers pulled out over concerns over the prospect of a meeting that could draw tens of thousands to one location.
The first American gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), announced this Tuesday, August 24, to cancel its major annual convention because of concerns related to the spread of Covid-19.
The NRA made the move after several gunmakers withdrew over concerns over the prospect of a meeting that could draw tens of thousands to one location, with a Houston convention center being chosen this year. .
The organization, which claims 5 million members, said in a statement that it resolved not to hold its congress from September 3 to 5 “because of concerns about the safety of our family and our NRA community.” . A “difficult decision” made, she added, “after analyzing the data on Covid-19 in the Texas county” which was to host the event, where infections and hospitalizations are on the rise.
The NRA had already canceled the 2020 edition of its congress. The organization is going through a difficult period, weighed down by financial difficulties and subject to legal proceedings launched by the New York State prosecutor, which seeks its dissolution.
Hammering the idea that the possession of small arms is part of the fundamental constitutional rights of Americans, many NRA activists are also defending the right not to wear a mask or to be vaccinated against Covid-19, this which justified increased concerns.
Former Republican President Donald Trump received tens of millions of dollars from the NRA for his two presidential campaigns.
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