Florida shooting survivors rally stricter gun control #
The Florida school shooting survivors, known as the "March for Our Lives" movement, have been at the forefront of advocating for stricter gun control measures in the United States. The movement was sparked by the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, which left 17 people dead and 17 others injured.
The survivors of the shooting, many of whom were students at the time, quickly organized and began advocating for stricter gun control laws, including:
- Universal background checks: Requiring all gun buyers to undergo a background check, including private sales and gun show transactions.
- Red flag laws: Allowing authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.
- Assault weapons ban: Prohibiting the sale and possession of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
- Raise the minimum age to buy guns: Increasing the minimum age to buy firearms from 18 to 21.
- Ban bump stocks: Prohibiting the use of devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to fire faster than they would normally.
The movement gained national attention and support, with students and adults alike participating in rallies, protests, and town halls across the country. The movement also gained the support of many celebrities, politicians, and organizations, including:
- Emma González, a survivor of the shooting, who became a prominent figure in the movement and delivered a powerful speech at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C.
- David Hogg, another survivor of the shooting, who has been a vocal advocate for gun control and has appeared on numerous TV shows and news programs.
- The National Rifle Association (NRA), which has traditionally been opposed to stricter gun control measures, has faced criticism and backlash from the movement.
- Many politicians, including some Republicans, who have expressed support for some of the movement's demands.
The movement has also led to changes in gun control laws in several states, including:
- Florida: The state passed a law in March 2018 that raised the minimum age to buy firearms from 18 to 21 and implemented a three-day waiting period for gun purchases.
- California: The state passed a law in July 2018 that banned the sale and possession of bump stocks and high-capacity magazines.
- New York: The state passed a law in August 2018 that banned the sale and possession of bump stocks and high-capacity magazines.
The movement has also led to increased awareness and discussion about gun violence and the need for stricter gun control measures in the United States.