LANSING, Mich. — Students, candidates for office, and elected leaders will rally in support of gun violence prevention at the State Capitol on Thursday morning. In the wake of another mass shooting, this time at Parkland High School in Florida, Michiganders are demanding meaningful action from their legislators. Specifically, rally participants will be lobbying for:
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An assault weapons ban in Michigan along with their only legal use being on a gun range
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Increasing funds for community mental health services
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Increasing funds so schools can provide social workers and behavioral health resources in each building
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Enforcing universal background checks for all firearms sales
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Extreme risk protection orders (HB 4706)
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Universal background checks (HB 5369-5371)
The rally will take place on the Capitol steps from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Attendees will be speaking with State House and Senate Representatives from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. depending on when their schedules allow.
"Shooting after mass shooting has occurred in the United States, and after the most recent tragedy I couldn't help but act," said Robert Van Kirk who is running for 77th State House District. "That's why I decided to organize this rally to call for elected leaders and candidates running for office to stand up and with one voice demand common sense gun violence prevention laws."
Organizers include the MDP Justice Caucus, Young Democrats of Michigan, Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party and the Michigan Federation of College Democrats. Progressive candidates for elected office, including Robert Van Kirk and Abdul El-Sayed, will be speaking at the rally.
