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Record Number, 87,154 Attendees Converged On NRA Convention

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The National Rifle Association reports a new record crowd of 87,154 people was set at last weekend's convention.

The numbers from the four days of meetings held in downtown Dallas beat the previous record of 86,000 back at 2013 Convention in Houston.

Both President Trump and Vice President Pence spoke at the convention.

NRA signs supporting the 2nd Amendment were placed outside the convention center, providing a backdrop for several protests that popped up.

It was President Trump's third address to the NRA. Governor Greg Abbott, and Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz also spoke at the convention.

 

NRA convention in Dallas
NRA Convention in Dallas (CBS11)

President Trump praised the NRA in his remarks at the convention. "The people in this hall have never taken our freedom for granted... never," said the President. "And you have never stopped fighting for our beloved constitution. Incredible people," he continued. "You give your time, your energy, your vote and your voice to stand strong for those sacred rights given to us by God -- including the right to self defense."

He affirmed his commitment to protect Second Amendment rights -- the right to keep and bear arms -- and his support for the men and women of law enforcement.

The President encouraged supporters to vote in 2018. "You watch how well we do in 2018. Don't get complacent," said Trump.

Sutherland Springs Hero At NRA Convention: 'He Had An AR-15 And So Did I'

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