Wednesday 25 May 2022 10:01 PM NRA reacts to Uvalde massacre saying 'deepest sympathies' are with victims ... trends now
The National Rifle Association has broken its silence on the horrific Uvalde, Texas massacre that killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school on Tuesday.
The NRA spoke out on Wednesday afternoon after mounting pressure - and fresh scrutiny on its annual meeting this Friday in Houston, less than 300 miles away from where more than a dozen families will be grieving the loss of their young children to an 18-year-old gunman.
However, the massive lobbying group attempted to divert national attention from the relaxed laws that allowed the now-deceased teen to get an assault weapon, painting him as a 'lone' and 'deranged' shooter.
'Our deepest sympathies are with the families and victims involved in this horrific and evil crime. On behalf of our members, we salute the courage of school officials, first responders and others who offered their support and services,' the NRA's statement read.
'Although an investigation is underway and the facts are still emerging, we recognize this was the act of a lone, deranged criminal.'
It ended the statement with a subtle confirmation that the marquee Houston event will move forward despite the recent tragedy.
'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.'
NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre will likely attend the conference in Houston on Friday, where a marquee of national GOP stars are expected to speak
Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he still intends to speak at the annual meeting.
He, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the state's junior GOP Senator Ted Cruz came under scrutiny for being slated to speak at the pro-gun event on Friday even as more than a dozen families grieve their lost loved ones killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
'America needs real solutions and real leadership in this moment, not politicians and partisanship,' Trump said on his app Truth Social.
'That's why I will keep my longtime commitment to speak in Texas at the NRA Convention and deliver an important address to America. In the meantime, we all continue to pray for the victims, their families, and for our entire nation - we are all in this together!
Trump earlier in the morning said the elementary school shooting is a 'moment in time that will never be forgotten' and extended his 'grief and sorrow' for the victims of the mass slaughter.
The shooter was reportedly killed by law enforcement.
'So hard to think or report about anything else after watching the Texas school "massacre" which took place yesterday,' Trump wrote on his app Truth Social.
'Thank you to the great wisdom and bravery of our Law Enforcement Professionals, and condolences to all who are suffering so gravely with the loss of those incredible souls so close to you.'
He concluded, 'No words can express the sorrow and grief of this absolutely horrible event. It is a moment in time which will never be forgotten!'
Trump posted on his app Truth Social, ''So hard to think or report about anything else after watching the Texas school "massacre" which took place yesterday.'
Trump commended law enforcement and mourned the 'incredible souls' lost in the message on
