The 2023 annual convention for National Rifle Association was held in Indianapolis, just a week after a mass shooting at Louisville.
The 2023 annual convention for National Rifle Association was held in Indianapolis, just a week after a mass shooting at Louisville.
More than 77,000 people packed the Indiana Convention Center for this year’s NRA Convention, according to the National Rifle Association. It is the first time since 2019 that the convention has been held in Indianapolis, and the third ever. Indy was home to the convention back in 2014.
The multi-day convention featured exhibits and displays stretching over 14 acres showing items from popular gun companies and manufacturers.
Convention-goers and protesters from miles away drove hours to be in the city for the multi-day event. Ted McGuire and David Isaacs are two people we spoke with coming out of the convention on Friday. Both said that this was their first time visiting the convention, and the closest it has been to their home state in years.
“We had to come down because it was only a two-hour drive,” McGuire said, “It made for a nice little weekend trip.”
“The exhibits were amazing,” Isaacs said, “There is just so much on display you can spend hours looking at everything.”
Both McGuire and Isaacs said they are proud 2nd Amendment supporters and talked about a history of growing up surrounded by a culture of respect for guns and the freedom to own them.
Ted McGuire drove two hours to be at this year’s convention. McGuire said that he has grown up with respect for and knowledge about the Second Amendment.
David Isaacs also came in from out of town to be at the convention. Isaacs, a retired school administrator, says the debate over gun control is an emotionally-driven issue.
The convention not only attracted avid gun supporters but also those concerned with recent mass shootings in America.
“The sign speaks for itself,” said Hope Blair, holding a sign that read “146 Mass Shootings as of April 14, 2023”
That number would rise to 172 by April 23rd, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Blair drove 5 hours from the suburbs of Chicago to make her voice heard outside the convention hall. Blair said being retired allows her to give more time to what she is passionate about.
Hope Blair came to Indianapolis from out of town. She joined about a dozen protesters outside to show that there is an alternative opinion.
Indiana recently joined a growing list of states which recently rolled back requirements to have a permit for concealed or open carry.