Activists demand action on gun violence at ‘March For Our Lives’ rally in Philadelphia

Teams nationwide did the identical, all a part of a student-led March For Our Lives Rally.

Whereas the occasion could also be nationwide, the trigger is private for lots of the marchers.

The route adopted factors on 52nd Avenue, the place folks have been shot in the previous few months.

Protestors might be heard yelling: “Cease the violence, cease the violence” down half a mile of 52nd Avenue.

Metropolis Controller Rebecca Rhynhart says greater than 100 folks have been shot in West Philadelphia thus far in 2022.

A number of the neighborhood children who participated say they’re afraid to stroll down their very own blocks.

“I am 15 years outdated. I need a automotive. I do not even wish to stroll to the shop with out considering any person will stroll as much as shoot me, and I am useless identical to that,” stated Damier Holley from West Philadelphia.

Holley marched together with his buddies as all of them share tales about gun violence.

“My cousin bought shot two weeks in the past for no cause in entrance of our home, and that simply took an impression on me for some time,” stated Qaasin Johnson from West Philadelphia.

The scholars wore “March For Our Lives” t-shirt. Survivors began the motion after the varsity capturing in Parkland, Florida, in 2018.

“Individuals dwelling in our communities right here in West Philadelphia need to be secure, and I wish to see the town step up. I wish to see the town step as much as put money into the folks and the neighborhoods,” stated Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Gauthier has been pushing for Philadelphia to declare a state of emergency due to gun violence since 2020.

Activists on the rally agree, and imagine the town ought to deal with gun violence with the identical urgency because the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’d like to verify there’s cash coming all the way down to the neighborhood organizations who’re out right here, who’ve a confirmed document of affecting this violence,” stated organizer Movita Johnson-Harrell.

Whereas the town has not declared a state of emergency, Philadelphia Mayor Kenney proposed $184 million in antiviolence methods outdoors of regulation enforcement for the subsequent price range.