The national student-led movement to end gun violence is no longer only about school shootings. Student activists, more of whom turn 18 by the day, are calling for action by elected officials to address the role of firearms in issues like police brutality and violence against women and minorities.
Deja Foxx, a University High senior who just registered to vote, stood on the steps of Rep. Martha McSally's Tucson office with a megaphone. She told the crowd of her peers that this movement is about them. She said it's for people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have suffered from mental illness and any "community member who just generally gives a fuck."
On the 19th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, Tucson students joined others nationwide in the National School Walkout, demanding gun reform and an end to gun violence. More than 150 students and allies left University High on Friday, April 20, and marched a mile to McSally's office.
With the teens were members from Moms Demand Action and Gun Violence Prevention Arizona, as well as state representative Randy Friese and Billy Kovacs, a Democratic candidate for McSally's seat.
Other Tucson schools marched in the National School Walkout protest. Students from both Tucson High Magnet School and City High marched to the Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse.
On the steps of McSally's office, 18-year-old Jahaziel Felix had a message for the lawmaker.
"We're tired of your neglective stance on gun control, and we are fed up with the amount of donations you take from the NRA," he said. "We want comprehensive gun reform, and we want a campus with safety and security.... In the 2018 election midterms, you'll be hearing from us on
