
LANSING (WWJ) – Students from Michigan State University, Oxford High School and across the state are rallying at the state capitol today, calling for gun reform.
Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other gun reform advocates on the steps of the capitol.
Speaking to a crowd of roughly 1,000 – including a small group of counter-protesters – Giffords encouraged those to fight for change.
“Our lives can change so quickly. Mine did when I was shot. My own recovery has taken years,” Giffords said. “Many, many people have helped me along the way and I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned when people care for each other and work together, progress is possible. The world is possible.”
Giffords served as a U.S. Congresswoman until she was shot in the head 12 years ago while meeting with constituents.
Wednesday’s rally comes a little more than a month after three MSU students were shot and killed and five others injured.
The Michigan Senate is currently considering a package of bills that include safe storage laws, universal background checks and red flag laws.
Making reference to a small group of counter protestors who also attended the rally, Whitmer promised gun reform is coming.
"With a productive, focused majority who's not gonna get distracted by noise, we are done only offering thoughts and prayers. It is time for action," Whitmer said.
Jonathan Gold, the president of the Michigan chapter of Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, was the first to speak in favor of “common sense” gun reform.
“I’m a gun owner, I’m a firearms instructor and a concealed carry permit holder. I’m a passionate supporter of the Second Amendment. I’m also a survivor of gun violence and believe that we can take reasonable steps to save lives in Michigan from gun violence,” Gold said.
Rally organizer Ryan Bates with the group End Gun Violence Michigan told WWJ earlier in the day gun violence has become the leading cause of death in Michigan children and said “we’re sick and tired of watching our children die.”
“We need every ounce of strength we can get because the gun lobby, the gun industry and the NRA are really powerful. We need to make sure that the voices of parents, students and teachers are stronger than the gun lobby,” he said.
The Senate is expected to vote soon on the gun reform legislation.
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