Thousands of students across the country poured into streets, parks, and public squares to call for an end to gun violence in the second school walkout of the year on Friday. After the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, young activists are demanding measures such as banning assault weapons, universal background checks, and a minimum age of 21 on all gun purchases.
The National School Walkout began with a moment of silence for school shooting victims, and continued with rallies, educational and volunteer activities, and voter registration. Students have made it clear that young people are registering to vote en masse, and that they will vote out every politician who is beholden to the NRA.
Lane Murdock, a 16-year-old high school student from Connecticut, organised the nationwide event. In an interview with Refinery29 in March, she explained why she decided to hold the walkout on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre in Colorado, in which two shooters killed 12 students and one teacher.
At the time of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, Murdock was very young, but she said it had a major impact on her. "I can't remember a lot from that age, but I do remember the specific moment of seeing my mom crying on the couch," she said. "Not a lot has changed since Sandy Hook, and that's actually why I chose the Columbine date — because not a lot has changed since Columbine." There has been no major congressional action since Parkland, though some cities and states have introduced restrictions.
There was a school shooting in Ocala, FL, on Friday, just minutes before the National School Walkout was supposed to start. One student suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while the suspect is in custody.
On Friday, many students risked disciplinary action to march. Some found themselves among few — or were the only — kids in their schools to do so. But they came out in thousands, marching everywhere from the US Capitol to Chicago's Grant Park, to Downtown Los Angeles. Ahead, some of the most powerful signs from the historic protests.
Read these stories next:
With The National School Walkout, Teen Activists Are Putting America On Notice
The 17 Most Powerful Signs From The National Walkout Day
Here's What The Parkland Students Have Accomplished So Far
"My vagina is more regulated than your guns."
"When I said I'd rather die than go to math class, that was a hyperbole you assholes."
"I'm just a bill and I'm sitting here while kids get killed."
"Schools are for learning, not lockdowns."
"Counselors, not cops. Glitter, not guns."
"The only thing that's easier to buy than a gun is a GOP candidate."
"Make America sane again."
"We have become sacrifices in a political battle that prioritizes our guns over our lives."
"Can you tweet the NRA for me and tell them I said fuck off?"
"Protect kids, not guns."
"We call BS."
"I want to raise one hand in class, not two."
"Arms are for hugging, not for killing."
"Stop the silence around gun violence."
"Our blood is on their hands."
"Make us feel safe, not sorry."
"When your children act like leaders, and your leaders act like children, you know change is coming."
"Not Responsible Adults."
"We will not stay silent so you can stay comfortable."
"Young, angry, ready for change."
"Thoughts and prayers don't stop bullets."
"A school should not be a war zone."
"The power of the people is stronger than the people in power."
"Emergency plan. Tornado: Stay in room. Fire: Nearest exit. Shooting: Hide behind the second amendment."
"Am I next?"
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