The National Rifle Association convention in Houston continued on Friday even though a large number of protestors gathered outside the venue. The outrage against the US gun lobby was sparked again this week after 19 children were killed at the Uvalde Elementary School in Texas.

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As hundreds of people chanted slogans supporting gun reform in the United States, officials of the NRA and multiple Republican lawmakers did exactly the opposite. The NRA collectively, once again, rejected negotiating on gun reforms.

A member of the National Rifle Association plugs his ears with his fingers as he walks past protesters. (Photo Credit: AP)

The decade-long stalemate between the pro and anti-gun lobby can be traced back to another deadly mass shooting: the Sandy Hook massacre of 2012.

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The issue was complex, then-President Barack Obama said, but everyone was obligated to try. This push for gun law reform in the US gave birth to the classic-NRA argument. “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun”, Wayne LaPierre said.

Four major Republican leaders spoke at the NRA convention on Friday, with all of them collectively rejecting gun reform.

Donald Trump: The former President suggested relatively drastic measures. He said there should be only one entry and exit to schools with armed officers present there at all times. He also proposed to arm teachers.

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US Senator Ted Cruz: The Texas lawmaker said that such violent acts were a product of “cultural sickness.” He further said that violent video games and abandonment issues can also lead to such mass shootings.

Texas governor Greg Abbott: The Republican did not show up at the event but delivered a virtual and pre-recorded address.

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“There are thousands of laws on the books across the country that limit the owning or using of firearms, laws that have not stopped madmen from carrying out evil acts on innocent people in peaceful communities”, Abbott said, CNN reported.

South Dakota governor Kristi Noem: The long-time pro-gun lobbyist went on to denounce the advocates of gun reform legislation. “Let me tell you the truth about the enemies of the Second Amendment. They are schooled in the ways of Marx and Lenin”, Noem said.