(Fargo, ND) -- Several residents of the F-M community are voicing their concerns regarding gun violence and school shootings in a public rally.
The North Dakota and Minnesota Chapter of Moms Demand Action levied direct criticism to lawmakers, who the group says are causing more gun violence to occur across the country due to a lack of action. Moms Demand Action is a national organization who is aiming to pass stronger gun legislation; including the expansion of background checks and strengthening the requirements to obtain permits. However, one local representative for the organization says this conversation will not impede persons from owning guns in a safe mannor.
"We have never had a conversation about removing or altering the second amendment, said Cheryl Biller, a Community Outreach Leader for Moms Demand Action, "People can have their guns and still use them for the sports activities that they use them for and still have common sense gun laws, like making sure everybody gets a background check, in order for all of us to stay alive. We don't have to have one or the other."
Dozens gathered to share stories and perspectives regarding gun violence across the United States, including within Minnesota and North Dakota. One local teacher, who wished to remain anonymous in order to protect her school and students, spoke about lockdown drills in their school.
"These conversations are traumatic.The students have to carry this trauma, we as teachers have to carry this trauma. You need to understand that whether the shooting is in Tennessee, Texas, or Florida, we all see our class, or students, "said the teacher to the crowd, some of which were moved to tears, "As adults, the very least we could do is store our guns safely. We must push our lawmakers to make laws that protect us all, not just the rights of the gun owners."
