Donald Trump is the first remaining presidential candidate to agree to speak at the upcoming 145th Annual NRA Convention May 19-22 in Louisville, Ky., where the group is expected to lay out in greater detail its campaign to put a Republican in the White House.
Officials said that Trump will speak at the National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action Leadership Forum, as he did last year. Challengers Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. John Kasich have not agreed to speak yet. Others speaking include: Sen. Marco Rubio, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, Kentucky Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul.
The NRA also announced Tuesday that members and guests will be allowed to carry concealed firearms into the group's national convention being held in Louisville, Ky. May 19-22.
The NRA issued the decision to follow Kentucky law which allows those with a license to carry firearms in areas where they aren't banned, such as where alcohol is served.
Weapons will be prohibited at events where those with Secret Service protection are attending, such as the popular NRA Institute for Legislative Action Leadership Forum, which is expected to attract presidential candidates, as it did last year.
From the NRA's convention site:
Firearms Carry Policy
During the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, lawfully carried firearms will be permitted in the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), with the proper license in accordance with Kentucky law. Firearms and knives will be prohibited in any areas temporarily under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Secret Service. When carrying your firearm, remember to follow all federal, state and local laws.
Please note that under Kentucky law, concealed firearms are prohibited in areas primarily devoted to dispensing alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, and loaded firearms are prohibited in any room where alcoholic beverages are being sold by the drink. Alcoholic beverages will be served at some events at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC), in certain areas of the KFC Yum! Center, and in some smaller venues.
The policy is similar to the one in place last year during the convention in Nashville.
Last year's convention was held in Nashville.
The convention typically draws tens of thousands of visitors. This year, the 145th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, will feature 650 exhibitors covering over 475,000 square feet of exhibit hall space.
The issue of carrying weapons in public was recently in the headlines due to talk of allowing them at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. They won't be allowed.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com