DALLAS, Texas — The National Rifle Association is in the middle of its annual meeting. President Donald Trump spoke before the crowd of gun enthusiasts in Dallas Friday afternoon.

Trump says the National Rifle Association is a “great organization that loves this country.'' This is his fourth consecutive time to speak at the conference.

Trump's appearance comes after he temporarily strayed from NRA dogma opposing stronger gun control after the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida, earlier this year — only to return to the fold.

Trump also said he has a “record crowd'' attending the convention. The forum where he spoke was sold out, with a capacity of about 8,000 people.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz were also part of the line-up of convention speakers.  

“The second amendment reflects the fundamental right of each and every one of us to defend our homes and our families, and our children from anyone who would seek to do them harm,” Cruz tweeted ahead of his scheduled remarks.

The event is also drawing protests, including by those who lost loved ones to gun violence.

Reporters Max Gorden and John Salazar are in Dallas and will have the latest on the day’s events.

Learn more about these stories and other issues affecting people across Texas on Capital Tonight airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m., on channels 1, 8, and 200 in Austin and 1,14 and 200 in San Antonio. Stick with Spectrum News for Continuing 2018 election coverage.