The former president began the speech by thanking for the invitation, and came up with a sting to the speakers who chose not to show up in light of the primary school shooting.
“Unlike certain others, I did not disappoint you by not showing up,” Trump began.
– Together we will be strong for many years to come. I greatly appreciate everyone present, and would like to express my gratitude to everyone who is here today. You are the backbone of our movement and of our country, he continued.
– A barbaric act
Early in the speech, he mentioned the school shooting at Robb Primary School.
“It was a barbaric act that shocked the country,” Trump said, before asking for silence as he read out the names of the 21 killed in the shooting massacre.
Trump described the perpetrator as pure evil, but pointed out early on that he disagreed with the politicians who shortly after the massacre focused on the desire for stricter gun laws.
– SPEAKING TO THE NRA: The former US president spoke for the gun supporters during Friday’s annual meeting. Photo: Gaelen Morse / Reuters
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“They are trying to utter extreme political propaganda,” Trump said.
The former US president was clear that the problem is mental health, and not the weapons themselves.
– What we need is security at the schools. Each building should have only one entrance, metal detectors and large fences that prevent unauthorized entry. It should also be an armed police officer in the areas at all times, Trump continued.
Announced cancellation
Wednesday’s school shooting at Robb Elementary School was expected to mark this weekend’s national meeting of the National Rifle Association (NRA) lobby in Houston, Texas.
Several artists who were to perform have withdrawn after the massacre in Uvalde – including “American Pie” celebrity Don McLean and country artist Lee Greenwood.
In addition, Republican congressmen John Cornyn and Dan Crenshaw have resigned. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not run physically, however participated via a video transmission from Uvalde.
Abbott said an anonymous benefactor would donate $ 175,000 to ensure that all funeral-related expenses for all families are taken care of.
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