MORGANTOWN –Saturday, community members came together to recount those who have lost their lives to gun violence in American. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots effort that is not in favor of gun control, rather for gun violence prevention.
Rev. Zac Morton of the First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown spoke of the freedom of fear in the back of Americans’ minds that every time we get together we are at risk. He led the group in a prayer lifting up those who lost their lives in gun violence.
“The situation is so dire because we know people are literally dying, being sacrificed on this alter of gun worship. I’m pretty sure this is why people have grown weary of thoughts and prayers, right?,” he said.
Barbara Fleischauer, member of the West Virginia House of Delegates also addressed the crowd speaking about alternatives to the question of ‘do something’ and the freedoms in citizens have in America.
Kathie Reilly, co-leader of Moms Demand Action and Maria Perez, a member of the grassroots effort said the movement for the weekend was organized by Everytown, a non-profit organization which advocates for gun control and against gun violence.
“Why we’re out here today is to work on at the national level and have our federal, our congress people to start acting,” said Reilly.
She said she thinks right now people behind the effort are looking to call on Mitch McConnell to have congress vote on gun legislation.
“That’s what we’re out here to do is to try to raise attention that people need to get in touch with their congressmen in D.C. so less or local state stuff for this weekend,” said Reilly.
This legislation is about extending background checks to all gun sales in the country. Perez said a vast majority of Americans, including NRA members stand behind this.
“90% of Americans want comprehensive background checks, closing loopholes, closing online sales,” said Reilly.
Though some might ask “what do we do now” in the wake of gun violence, Perez said there are answers to those questions.
“There are examples around the world…of the kinds of legislation that could limit the access to guns and ammunition that could cause harm to themselves and others. So actually, really want to mystify this idea that we don’t know what to do,” said Perez.
Reilly said while there are answers and things that do work, a one law solution may not be the answer.
“That’s why it’s so important too at the federal level we have an umbrella that the states would have to follow some guidelines to start bringing in a more cohesive legislative all around,” said Reilly.
The women are hopeful that the future of gun laws will become better. Perez said gun violence activism has been around for a long time and there is no doubt it’s reached a tipping point recently. Reilly thanked those who showed up for the cause.
“In particular I wanted to give a shoutout to Republican legislators in the state that have taken a stand on this. I think they’re very brave. They give me hope. Not only that change will come but also they re-instill the hope in me the democratic system of our country,” said Perez.
