Former President Donald Trump will deliver the keynote address at a major event hosted by the National Rifle Association of America in Georgia on Oct. 22, the organization said Friday.

The NRA promoted its Defend the 2nd event by saying the “stakes could not be higher” ahead of the November election.

“This election is a pivotal one for America’s gun owners. Kamala Harris and her far-left allies have big plans to erode Second Amendment protections,” NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin said. “Donald J. Trump has proven himself a fighter for Americans’ right to keep and bear arms. We are excited to have him speak at our Defend the 2nd event and to support his return to the White House in January.”

Mr. Trump is a frequent guest at NRA events, and he often courts gun owners’ votes by vowing to defend the Second Amendment. He points to soft-on-crime policies and illegal immigration as the major threats to public safety.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, says more gun control measures are needed to prevent school shootings and other forms of firearm violence.

She is pushing for a ban on military-style “assault” weapons and high-capacity magazines and wants to require universal background checks ahead of gun sales. She also supports red flag laws that take guns away from persons deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

On the campaign trail, Mr. Trump says Ms. Harris wants to take everyone’s guns away.

Ms. Harris bristled at the comment during the Sept. 10 presidential debate, saying she owns a gun for personal defense.

“We’re not taking anybody’s guns away,” she said.

Mr. Trump will be speaking to the NRA after a tumultuous period for the organization. Its longtime CEO, Wayne LaPierre, resigned in January amid claims of financial mismanagement.

A civil jury found him liable in February. He was ordered to repay millions to the organization.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.