More than two dozen children, some as young as five years old, rallied at the state capitol Thursday, demanding tougher action from lawmakers to prevent school shootings.
The students, ranging in age from 5 to 12, came from the Morgan Oliver School for Anti-Racism in Atlanta.
They carried signs saying, “Stop Gun Violence Now” and “Unacceptable.”
After their march, they packed inside a committee room to speak to six Democratic lawmakers.
Maddie La Rose, 11, expressed frustration at this month’s deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.
Four people were killed, and a 14-year-old boy, Colt Gray, was charged with murder.
“Many people got hurt and four people died, two teachers and two kids,” she said. “And nobody should have ever died, and nobody should ever have gotten a gun for a kid.”
Autumn Humphries, 11, also addressed the legislators, saying both parents and policymakers have the power to stop gun violence on campuses.
RELATED STORIES:
“We keep asking the adults to do something about this,” she said. “They can hear us, but they will not listen. This is our future you’re affecting here. We’re the next generation here, and you’re acting like you don’t care. Hopefully, you can hear our voices now.”