The D.C. protest echoed those orchestrated in Parkland, Fla., and beyond by teenagers who are emerging as powerful advocates for stronger gun control following one of the worst mass shootings at a school in U.S. history.
Dozens of teenage students lay down on the pavement outside White House on Monday to demand presidential action on gun control and changes to gun laws after 17 people were killed in a school shooting in Florida.
They were joined by several hundred protesters who demanded that lawmakers act to end gun violence during an emotional demonstration on Presidents’ Day.
Parent and educators joined the gathering, where protesters held their arms crossed at their chests. Two activists covered themselves with an American flag while another held a sign asking: “Am I next?”
The White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders, said Trump had been in talks with the Republican senator John Cornyn and the Democratic senator Chris Murphy about a bill that aimed to strengthen how state and federal governments report crimes that could ban people from buying a firearm.
“The president spoke to Senator Cornyn on Friday about the bipartisan bill he and Senator Murphy introduced to improve federal compliance with criminal background check legislation,” Sanders said.
David Hogg, a 17-year-old student at the school, told NBC’s Meet the Press: “You’re the president. You’re supposed to bring this nation together, not divide us. How dare you.”
“Every day when I say ‘bye’ to my parents, I do acknowledge the fact that I could never see my parents again” said Ella Fesler, a 16-year-old high school student from Alexandria, Virginia.
“This could be a breaking point,” said Whitney Bowen, 16, an organizer of the D.C. protest. “We’re still just 16, but at least we’re old enough to have our voices be heard.”
Students, teachers and politicians have urged Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress to act following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida, to prevent a future tragedy.
>Juthy Saha
Students Protest Against Gun Violence In Front Of White House
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 19: Demonstrators lie on the ground a "lie-in" demonstration supporting gun control reform near the White House on February 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. According to a statement from the White House, "the President is supportive of efforts to improve the Federal background check system.", in the wake of last weeks shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)