Secret Service: No guns at Trump NRA speech

The Secret Service confirmed Thursday that those attending President Trump’s Friday speech to the National Rifle Association in Atlanta must leave their guns outside.

“Individuals determined to be carrying firearms will not be allowed past a predetermined outer perimeter checkpoint, regardless of whether they possess a ticket to the event,” the Secret Service said in a statement, as reported by CNN.

Federal law allows the Secret Service to stop guns from entering sites visited by those under their protection, even in states permitting open carry of firearms.

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Trump will join other Republican speakers including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke at this year’s NRA leadership forum at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The NRA was a major backer of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, and he also addressed its leadership forum last year.

“We’re getting rid of gun-free zones, OK?” he told the crowd moments after the organization endorsed him for the presidency.

Gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety announced Thursday that Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) will help it lead a protest against the NRA this Saturday.

Lewis will join hundreds of protesters in a rally against the group, whose leadership summit is inside his congressional district.