NRA Convention 2022: ‘American Pie’ singer Don McLean withdraws from Houston gun meeting after mass shooting of Uvalde

“American Pie” singer Don McLean withdrew from the gun convention “in light of recent events in Texas,” a reference to Tuesday’s mass shooting that killed 21 people in Uvalde, Texas.

“In light of recent events in Texas, I have decided that it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to represent the NRA at their convention in Houston this week.

I’m sure all the people planning to attend this event are also shocked and disgusted by these events. After all, we are all Americans.

I share the grief of this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation.

Sincerely, Don McLean”

McLean is currently in Houston for June 25th at Cullen Performance Hall.

The video above is from our coverage of planned protests against the NRA rally.

People have been urging the NRA to cancel its conference, but on Wednesday Mayor Sylvester Turner said a legally binding contract is preventing the city from doing so. Nevertheless, several groups want to protest.

The convention center opens its doors on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. when on-site registration begins.
Several groups, including former President Donald Trump, with varying agendas are expected outside the GRB center beginning Friday.

Confirming his attendance, Trump said he would deliver an important message to America and pray for the victims of the Uvalde mass shooting.

SEE RELATED STORY: How Houston Can Help Victims of Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde

WATCH: Beto O’Rourke interrupts Texas governor’s news conference over shooting

SEE RELATED STORY: Mass shootings in the US have nearly tripled since 2013, data from the Gun Violence Archive shows