NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's administration has rejected state troopers' request to work security at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Nashville this weekend.
A spokeswoman from the state Department of Safety says eight troopers were approved to work the event but were later denied because they wanted to bring their patrol vehicles.
Emails obtained by The Associated Press show that the NRA wanted to use the plain-clothes troopers to work inside a ballroom during a forum involving several potential Republican presidential candidates. The emails make no mention of vehicles.
Some state troopers will be working at the event in their official duty as part of the protective details for other states' governments in attendance.
Haslam was not invited to speak at the NRA event.