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Republicans Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott are still expected to attend and speak at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday (May 27), just days after the deadliest school shooting in Texas state history.
According to police, an 18-year-old gunman armed with a handgun and possibly a rifle shot his grandmother before entering Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday (May 24), killing 19 children and two teachers.
Now, two of the state's elected leaders are slated to attend and speak at a convention being thrown as a "celebration of Second Amendment rights." Donald Trump is the headliner of a list of "star-studded cast of political heavyweights" touted by the Association's event.
"NRA members are excited to hear him speak and thank him for support for our right to keep and bear arms," NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre said in a statement.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was also expected to attend, but a spokesperson for the GOP lawmaker confirmed to NBC News DFW that he will not be at the convention and had already changed his schedule "prior to the tragedy in Uvalde."
The convention is being held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston from May 27 to May 29. The Houston Chronicle reported that the convention hall was full of activity on Tuesday (May 24) as event organizers arranged guns and gear across the roughly 14-acre event space.
At a vigil to honor the Robb Elementary School shooting victims, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee called on the NRA to cancel its event, adding to other community members who said, "it's not the time."
"We shouldn't have to live in constant fear," Carlos Espinosa, executive director of the immigrants' rights group FIEL told The Chronicle. "We need thoughts and prayers, but more than anything, we need action."
Reading about trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
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