Houston officials detail public safety, security plan for 2022 NRA convention
HOUSTON - Houston city leaders discussed the safety and security plan for the NRA convention this weekend.
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Mayor Sylvester Turner was joined at City Hall by Chief Troy Finner with the Houston Police Department, Chief Sam Pena with the Fire Department, and several representatives from other city departments at to break down the NRA convention's public safety and security plan.
During the press conference, Chief Finner said there will be a protest and counter-protest zone at Discovery Green, where officers will be in full force.
"Officers will be everywhere," he said. "We will not tolerate destruction of property or assaulting of others."
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The convention begins Friday, May 27th through Sunday, May 29th, just days after an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and former President Donald Trump were among the slate of scheduled speakers at a Friday leadership forum sponsored by the NRA’s lobbying arm. The leadership forum is described as "one of the most politically significant and popular events in the country, featuring our nation's top Second Amendment leaders in government, the media, and the entertainment industry."
MORE: Trump, Abbott, Cruz scheduled to address 2022 NRA convention days after Texas school shooting
Notable figures, like gubernatorial candidate, Beto O'Rourke, argue the timing for the convention does not seem appropriate and even criticized Gov. Abbott during a press conference Wednesday.
Mayor Turner even noted Wednesday the conference may send the wrong message, but cannot be canceled.
"Canceling the convention would leave the City subject to a number of legal issues," he said. "The greater question is why are elected officials speaking there, and what message does that send. You can't pray and send condolences on one day and go and champion guns on the next."
MORE: NRA Convention in Houston can't be canceled days after Texas school shooting, mayor says
"American Pie" singer, Don McLean, who was initially slated to perform at the convention, announced Thursday, that he would not be attending.
"In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week," McLean said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "I’m sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans. I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation."
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Democrats and groups like Black Lives Matter and Moms Demand Action are expected to protest.
"To hold the NRA responsible as well as Governor Greg Abbott and our Texas lawmakers for being unwilling to compromise on gun laws," said Calandrian Kemp with Moms Demand Action.
"That's the first thing the left has brought up infringe on people's Second Amendment rights, but do you know why gun sales are at an all-time high? Because people need to protect themselves, crime is at an all-time high," said US Congressman Troy Nehls.
We asked the Republican congressman from Fort Bend County what he thought about some elected officials still speaking at the convention.
"We can't hide behind tragedy," he said. "You've got to have meaningful open dialogue about this."