Republicans hoping to secure the party’s presidential nomination have courted the National Rifle Association, telling delegates to its leadership forum that imposing restrictions on firearms would not curb mass shootings.

The meeting of America’s biggest gun lobby in Indianapolis, Indiana, drew all the leading contenders, including Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida.

“I was proud to be the most pro-gun, pro-second amendment president you’ve ever had,” Trump told a rally to cheers and applause, as well as “USA” chants. “And with your support in 2024, I will be your loyal friend and fearless champion once again as the 47th president of the United States.”

The annual NRA conference, which concluded over the weekend, came against the backdrop of a series of mass