Middle-aged man loading a gun
(Picture: Shutterstock / alongkorn-boy)The US gun-rights lobbying organization, National Rifle Association (NRA) took to Twitter to announce the cancellation of its annual meeting in Houston, Texas.
And many people couldn’t contain their happiness.
The NRA, which has fought for increased gun rights despite seemingly endless gun massacres in the US, said the September gathering was canceled “due to concern for the safety of our NRA family and community” as the coronavirus spreads across the country, particularly in Texas, which was hosting the event.
“Due to concern over the safety of our NRA family and Community, we regret to inform you that we have decided to cancel the 2021 annual meeting and Exhibits,” the tweet began.
The NRA also noted that it was a “difficult decision,” but after consulting with “medical professionals, local officials, major sponsors, and exhibitors” as well as members of the organisation, the top priority is the health and wellbeing” of everyone involved.
🚨Important Announcement: NRA Annual Meeting Cancellation
— NRA (@NRA) August 24, 2021
Full statement here➡️https://t.co/SGwUBj4wgG pic.twitter.com/fIdx1BZNhW
People that were pleasantly surprised by the announcement didn’t shy away from mentioning that the group has finally realised that Covid-19 isn’t a “hoax” by the Democratic party.
“Breaking: NRA decides Covid isn’t a Dem hoax,” wrote Game Theory Today Podcast, Eric Garland.
“I thought money and a good guy with a gun solved everything??!!” someone else joked.
A third called out Texas Governor Greg Abbott who discouraged masks and vaccines despite testing positive for the virus last week. Now, Abbott said that he tested negative for Covid-19, four days after the positive result, according to AP.
“If only @GovAbbott had mandated masks and encouraged vaccines, maybe they wouldn’t have had to cancel the gun nut convention in Houston,” they said.
Abbott posted a video on his Twitter about vaccinations and said: “So I encourage others who have not yet received the vaccination to consider getting one.”
Check out some other responses to the canceled meeting.
Thoughts and prayers https://t.co/hUSVxFrIeS
— Meidas_Gi 🗳 😷 (@Meidas_G) August 24, 2021
This entire letter from the @NRA is bullsh-t. They do not care about safety of others and never did, as evidenced by their fight to have gun stores open as essential during the early days of COVID. They are struggling and did not want an empty convention. https://t.co/qVB3nZkT8F
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) August 24, 2021
Invest in mRNA not the NRA. https://t.co/5o1aqCZhSm
— Jewish Space Laser (@TapiocaPearl13) August 24, 2021
Wait... is Abbott gonna sue?
— MakeAmericaNorwegianAgain (@pieper444) August 24, 2021
I.Can't.Stop.Laughing https://t.co/r2eoRa0JNk
The NRA has canceled its 150th Annual Meeting.
— Joseph Sakran (@JosephSakran) August 25, 2021
Excuse — #COVID19
Truth — Gun Manufacturers pulling out of the event
If the leadership is truly worried about the health & safety of Americans, there is plenty that they can do! https://t.co/JOxpEHzg8b
the NRA cares more about the safety of Texans than the governor of Texas himself, which means the bar is officially underground https://t.co/0d3a3FgMJW
— ❄Snowflake (Indy variant)❄ (@sciendere) August 24, 2021
Despite the NRA deciding to cancel the event, the decision to pull out goes deeper than keeping everyone safe.
In a report from the Daily Beast, the NRA allegedly decided to cancel after gun manufacturers backed out of the event. They also discreetly asked the NRA to cancel the festivities.
The gun positive group is also facing legal, financial and leadership problems.
