Parkland school shooting survivors speak in the valley
Some of the survivors of the 2018 Parkland school shooting are speaking in different parts of the Coachella Valley today.
It’s all a part of a national campaign to meet with local students, share their experiences with gun violence, and register young voters as they hope to change gun laws.
On Feb. 14, 2018, a gunman entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida killed 17 students and staff.
Since then, survivors started the “March for Our Lives” to end gun violence.
This morning, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students spoke at Palm Springs High School. One local student in the audience says there have been times where she felt nervous about a potential actiev shooter situation at her school.
“I walk into a classroom and I know exactly where I’d hide if there was a gun shooter who would come to our school,” said Trinity Reyes Escobar, a student at Cathedral City High School.
18-year-old David Hogg was at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when shots rangout and says he’s asking young adults to be involved in politics and is encouraging them to vote.
“We want to give them [students] the tools that we’ve been given to create change in a country that very clearly needs it,” said Hogg.
He’s one of the students behind the March for Our Lives campaign.
“I want people to know that gun violence is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s a human issue that can only be solved, not by either political party, but by morally just people running for office,” Hogg said.
On PSHS student says she was inspired after hearing the young survivors stories.
“I feel really inspired to just see them and talk to them and hear their stories. It’s kind of upsetting that we’re only 17 and we can’t vote yet, but it’s coming and I’m excited to be a part of that change soon,” said Lilian Diaz, a senior at PSHS.
After visiting with PSHS students, the activists spoke at College of the Desert in Palm Desert where the audience and Parkland survivors carried an open dialogue about the future of gun legislation.
“I think the most important thing right now is to continue the conversation about more gun safety,” said COD student, Keeanna Garcia.
The day wrapped up with a reception in Palm Springs hosted by former PSUSD board of trustees member, James Williamson.
“This is really about giving our students a vision into what leadership looks like and what they can do,” said Williamson.
Ticket sales from the event will benefit the March for Our Lives camapaign.
Hogg says he and other activists have been able to work their way closer to gun control legislation in the past year.
“Recently we had our first vote on a gun violence prevention pass the House in nearly two decades, so change is here and it’s here to stay,” Hogg said.
