DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – A Care2 petition is urging the city of Dallas to revoke the funds it put toward the National Rifle Association’s annual convention, set to take place in the city in May. The petition started by a Dallas resident has gathered over 20,000 signatures.
The Care2 petition was started by Dallas resident Jonathon Herzog, who takes issue with the fact that Dallas paid more than $400,000 to rent the convention center for the group.
“I was raised in Dallas and I still live here today. I was absolutely heartbroken after the Dallas shooting of police officers,” Herzog writes. “I cannot believe the city is not only welcoming the NRA, but literally funding the event. Please sign my petition to tell Dallas to rescind their funding of this event.”
Renting the convention center would normally cost $410,618, but Dallas is giving the NRA a $22,840 discount. VisitDallas, the city’s tourism bureau, will provide the other $387,000.
The NRA will hold its 147th annual meeting May 4 through 6 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. At least 80,000 people are expected to visit more than 800 booths and exhibitions at the convention.
Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway asked the NRA to reconsider.
“I am saying to the NRA, reconsider yourselves coming to Dallas,” Caraway said at a press conference. “There will be marches and demonstrations should they come to Dallas, and we, Dallas, will be the ones that have to bear the cost and the responsibility and to protect the citizens.”
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said that the city won’t break it’s contract with the NRA, but that he wouldn’t be heart broken if it broke its end of the contract.
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