Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), former President Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) are all scheduled to speak at the National Rifle Association's (NRA) leadership summit in Houston - which will now take place in the shadow of a horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
The event, which begins Friday, has been in the works for months. It is hosted by the Institute for Legislative Action, the lobbying arm of the NRA.
The NRA's website states that Trump will headline a "star-studded cast of political heavyweights" in what will be a "celebration of Second Amendment rights."
Also included among the speakers are South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) and Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas).
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is also featured on the speakers list on the event's website as of Wednesday, but a spokesperson from his office told The Hill that "prior to the tragedy in Uvalde we had already informed the NRA he would not be able to speak due to an unexpected change in his schedule."
"He has to be in D.C. for personal reasons on Friday," a statement added.
A spokesperson for Noem confirmed to The Hill on Wednesday that the governor will be speaking at the event and shared her statement from Tuesday, ordering flags in South Dakota to be flown at half-staff effective immediately.
The NRA did not immediately respond to The Hill when asked if there would be any changes to the event, and Abbott, Trump and Cruz did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.
Cruz came under criticism on Twitter from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) over the event.
Cruz called the killings of 19 school children and two teachers in Uvalde "horrific" and thanked law enforcement for their quick response.
Ocasio-Cortez responded to Cruz's tweet by saying: "Aren't you slated to headline a speaking gig for the NRA in three days - in Houston, no less? You can do more than pray. Faith without works is dead."
Updated: 11:38 a.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
