Guns banned at NRA conference – but only while Trump and Pence attend

The National Rifle Association has banned its members from carrying their firearms during its annual forum while US President Donald Trump and his deputy Mike Pence are in attendance.

A White House official said that Mr Trump is expected to attend the event in Dallas on Friday, with Mr Pence set to speak at the NRA’s leadership forum on the same day.

You don't want to miss this! The 2018 @NRAILA Leadership Forum at #NRAAM will feature a powerful lineup of pro-freedom speakers, including @VP Mike Pence as the keynote. Buy your tickets today! https://t.co/F5uG62eEU0 #NRA #2A pic.twitter.com/9C6umwYFpp

— NRA Annual Meetings (@AnnualMeetings) April 28, 2018

The NRA has said on its website that the US Secret Service will be responsible for security when the two politicians are at the event.

Some students and their families from Parkland, the Florida high school where 17 people were killed in February, criticised the NRA on social media for what they said was hypocrisy.

On so many levels, this is enlightening. According to the NRA, we should want everyone to have weapons when we are in public. But when they put on a convention, the weapons are a concern? I thought giving everyone a gun was to enhance safety. Am I missing something? https://t.co/f4wgNhJ7RI

— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 28, 2018

Guns were also banned during Mr Trump’s appearance at the NRA’s annual meeting in Atlanta last year.