Teens Press For Gun Control Outside White House; Lawmakers Speak Out To Demand Change
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- On the same day the Florida shooting suspect appeared in court, dozens gathered outside the White House to demand presidential action on gun control and honor the 17 killed.
What started as a somber scene outside the White House on President's Day led to tempers flaring.
"Kids are dying! Kids are dead!" one demonstrator yelled.
A heated debate broke out over what needs to be done to prevent the next mass shooting.
Last week, 17 people were killed when authorities say a 19-year-old man opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Surviving students have channeled their pain into a call for action, refusing to let their classmates die in vain.
"The fact that we even have to do this is appalling. Our job is to go to school, learn and not take a bullet," said Cameron Kasky, a student at Stoneman Douglas.
Political leaders in Maryland have been far from shy about speaking out and demanding change.
The White House now says President Donald Trump supports legislation to improve the federal background check system, discussing a new bill that assures authorities accurately report relevant criminal history records.
"If you're a strong Second Amendment person, you need to slow down and take a look at reasonable things that can be done to answer these young people," said Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich.
This bill would penalize agencies that fail to report relevant records.
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