Trump takes a jab at Abbott for not attending NRA conference in person after Uvalde school shooting

• Donald Trump headlined a conference for the NRA just 72 hours after the massacre in Uvalde, Texas.
• The former president offered solutions on school safety, rather than gun control measures.

Donald Trump mocked Texas Governor Greg Abbott for not appearing in person at a National Rifle Association conference in Houston Friday – just days after the deadly shooting in the governor's home state.

The former president and several other Republican politicians appeared at the event, which happened despite the tragic events in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school. Abbott backed out of his scheduled appearance, instead, appearing in a pre-recorded video and later giving a press conference in Uvalde.

"Unlike some, I didn't disappoint you by not showing up," Trump said.

The former president's remarks lasted nearly an hour, often shifting from the topic of guns to his past presidency. He also read the name of the victims killed in the Robb Elementary massacre while a gong chimed in the background.

Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also attended the conference, which drew scores of protestors, including many children, calling for gun reform measures.

Two Texas Republicans — Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Sen. John Cornyn — said Wednesday they could no longer attend the conference. Crenshaw is currently in Ukraine with fellow Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and won't make it back in time, while Cornyn said he had an "unexpected change in his schedule."

A statement from the NRA said the shooting was a product of a "lone, deranged criminal."

"As we gather in Houston, we will reflect on these events, pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure," the NRA added.