2024 GOP Presidential Hopefuls Court Gun Rights Activists at NRA Convention

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NRA Convention programs are on display at the Indiana Convention Center, Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Indianapolis. The convention starts Friday, April 14 and end on Sunday, April 16. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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The National Rifle Association (NRA) convention is underway in Indianapolis, with GOP presidential hopefuls vying for the support of gun rights activists. Notably, former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence are among those attending, potentially sharing the same room for the first time since Trump left office.

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks during at the National Rifle Association Convention, Friday, April 14, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Other candidates, such as Kristi Noem, Chris Sununu, Asa Hutchinson, and Vivek Ramaswamy, are appearing in person, while Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, and Nikki Haley are delivering video messages.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks at the National Rifle Association Convention, Friday, April 14, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu speaks during at the National Rifle Association Convention, Friday, April 14, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The convention comes just days after mass shootings in Kentucky and Tennessee, prompting gun control activists to call for stricter regulations. However, Republicans continue to focus on courting their pro-gun rights base.

Last year, 15 Senate Republicans joined Democrats in passing a bill that offered grants to states implementing “red flag” laws and crisis prevention programs.

The NRA’s conventions underscore the deep-rooted alliance between gun rights advocates and Republican political figures, despite the nation’s surge in mass shootings in recent years.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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AURN NEWS WITH EBONY MCMORRIS