(Houston, Texas) Attendees of the annual convention of the National Rifle Association (NRA) — America’s influential pro-gun lobby — are greeted by boos from a small crowd of protesters in Houston, Texas, a few days after the killing of 21 people in the primary school of Uvalde, 500 kilometers to the west.
Posted at 7:10 a.m.
Updated at 4:54 p.m.
Slogans and cries of rage and pain echo Friday outside the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, where the controversial Annual Convention of the National Rifle Association – a major pro-firearms lobby in the United States – is taking place.
Barely a few days after the massacre of 19 children and two teachers from a primary school in Uvalde, located a few hours away by road, the holding of the Convention is heating up tempers.
PHOTO PATRICK T. FALLON, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Houston Police troopers lead guard outside the George R. Brown Convention Center.
On the glass facade of the imposing building is displayed a banner announcing the Convention. « 150 years strong [150 ans de force] “, can we read there, followed by indications that there are 14 acres (4046.86 square meters) of weapons and equipment.
At the end of the morning, thousands of firearms enthusiasts were already strolling through the vast convention center filled with manufacturers’ stands, exhibiting semi-automatic rifles and hunting equipment, according to Agence France-Presse.
In the afternoon, in front of the building, a large police presence, including officers on horseback. Across the street, an angry mob.
“I’m here because these people care more about their guns than about human rights!” says 17-year-old Krista Cain. “Not one more”, can we read in Spanish on the sign that she brandishes, within the demonstration. A few steps further, her mother Gabriela Cain, a resident of Houston for 15 years of Mexican origin, accompanies her daughter. “They don’t care about us,” she laments, referring to the NRA. “We don’t want to take their weapons, but we want more regulations. »
PHOTO Lila Dussault, La Presse
Krista Cain, 17, is campaigning for better gun laws in the United States in Houston on Friday.
A controversial gathering
The NRA has promised that this Convention will be an opportunity to “reflect” on what happened in Uvalde, a tragedy for which the organization considers it has no responsibility.
Guns kill tens of thousands of people every year in the United States. In 2020, the country had 19,350 shooting homicides and 24,245 suicide deaths with a firearm.
PHOTO SHANNON STAPLETON, REUTERS
Former President Donald Trump will be in attendance Friday night to give a speech, as will conservative state senator Ted Cruz. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, will give Uvalde a press conference instead.
Mr. Abbott, a great defender of the right to own a firearm and a candidate for re-election this year, will still speak to members of the NRA, in a pre-recorded video, said one of his spokespersons to the newspaper. Dallas Morning News.
“He is a terrible governor who has made access to firearms easier and easier,” denounces Olivia Dvorak, 46, sitting in the grass to refine her sign indicating “Enough is enough”. At his side, Brian Arthur adds: “It’s a bunch of murderers who are going to discuss how they are going to spend millions and millions to murder more people! »
Photo Lila Dussault, La Presse
Olivia Dvorak, Brian Arthur and Steve Grubbs demonstrate in Houston on Friday afternoon.
Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who will face Greg Abbott in the gubernatorial election in November, is expected to join the pro-restrictions protesters.
The Uvalde shooting has reignited the divisive debate over access to firearms in the United States. On local radio, commentators accuse the Democrats of using the drama for political purposes.
What is the NRA?
The NRA, the largest gun lobby in the United States, is accused of blocking any major legislative advances that would limit access to firearms.
The organization claims more than five million members, without giving the list. In addition to lobbying, it offers training, groups hunters, publishes magazines, raises funds, airs its own television shows, and has even opened a museum at its headquarters in Virginia.
The 150-year-old organization has spent around $250 million in 2020 and, despite setbacks in recent years, retains a dominant influence with elected officials, including in the US Congress. She made a significant financial contribution to the election campaigns of former US President Donald Trump.
It also plays a crucial role with firearms manufacturers. This industry has produced 139 million weapons in the two decades since 2000, including 11.3 million in 2020 alone, according to official data which does not count kit and untraceable weapons.