Students are demanding stronger gun laws following the deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.
Hundreds of students participated in the March for Our Lives rally at the Tennessee State Capitol on Monday. They are calling for an assault weapons ban and the implementation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
Six people, including three children, were killed last week when an individual, armed with multiple guns, opened fire inside the school.
“It was a wake-up call for me. And I was like, I have to speak up and have a voice and come out here,” said Lesliet Vargas.
Many of the protesters were wearing red to honor the victims. A moment of silence was also held at the rally in their memory.
Nashville pastor describes how his community is healing from tragedy
BJ Brack is the senior pastor at Calvary United Methodist Church. His church is roughly a mile and a half from the school where six people were killed.
At the same time as the rally, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced new measures to protect students. However, his plan did not mention any gun control measures that the protesters were calling for.
Lee proposed having armed security guards at every school in Tennessee, providing grants to public and privates schools for security and doubling the funding for school-based mental health resources.
"These are thoughtful, practical solutions that will enhance the safety of students and teachers immediately," Lee said.
Lee added that he's in favor of keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. However, he was unable to articulate a plan to do that. He said lawmakers will need to make sure any bill does not infringe on a person's Second Amendment right to bear ams.
"I'm looking for answers that separate dangerous people from firearms and protect constitutional rights," Lee said.
Currently, there is no permit requirement for the possession of rifles, shotguns, or handguns in Tennessee.
Nashville school shooting victims are remembered at a solemn vigil
In remembrance of the three children and three adults killed in a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil.
