A group of mothers organized a demonstration in Burbank, California, on Saturday, May 13, demanding reform and action in response to the recent run of horrific mass shootings around the country in recent months.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a national organization working to reduce gun violence via increased public safety measures. The organization is advocating for a nationwide ban on assault rifles like the AR-15, which has been used in several mass killings.
Push to Outlaw Assault Weapons
As they made their way through Burbank, the mob could be heard yelling, "No one needs an AR-15!" and "Ban assault weapons!" as they passed by gun stores, KTLA 5 reported.
After a string of tragic mass shootings, the event was part of a coordinated effort nationwide to call for the return of the assault weapons prohibition on Mother's Day.
Assemblymember Laura Friedman of California's 44th District remarked, "I'm a mom, and all I want for Mother's Day is an end to gun violence."
Schools, shopping centers, banks, grocery shops, dance halls, and other public places have all been hit by a surge in deadly mass shootings that have devastated local communities. The Gun Violence Archive estimates that there have been at least 215 mass shootings in the US so far this year, which is more than the number of days in 2023.
According to the group's definition, a mass shooting occurs when four or more people are killed by gunfire.
'American Problem'
Senator Anthony Portantino of California observed that this is a "uniquely American problem." He said mass shootings are uncommon in other developed nations due to stricter gun control laws.
A report from the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that firearms are still the leading cause of death for American youngsters.
Friedman posed the question, "What will it take for Congress to act?"
A shooting rampage on May 24, 2022, at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, resulted in the deaths of 21 people. After the incident, politicians on the federal level voted to enact a moderate plan that would strengthen certain aspects of the background check process and offer billions of dollars for increased school safety and mental health services.
But for the Senate to pass any kind of substantial change, at least 10 Republicans would have to side with the Democrats.
The GOP has said the Democrats are attempting to make political hay out of mass shootings. At the same time, the Democrats have claimed the GOP is more concerned with safeguarding the availability of assault-style guns.
Friedman remarked, "There is certainly a way that we can respect the Second Amendment and still have sensible restrictions to keep us safe. At the end of the day, if we can't keep our kids safe, what are we doing?"
