Thousands flooded streets from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles this weekend, demanding immediate political action to curb America's escalating gun violence crisis. The 2022 death toll from firearms has surpassed 18,800, with 246 mass shootings recorded since January 1 – averaging nearly two per day, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
SparkED by recent tragedies in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, protesters carried signs reading 'Protect Kids, Not Guns' and 'No More Thoughts and Prayers.' At the Washington Monument rally, teacher Maria Gonzalez told reporters: 'We're living through active shooter drills while politicians stall. This isn't normal anywhere else in the world.'
While bipartisan talks continue in Congress, many demonstrators expressed frustration with legislative gridlock. 'We need universal background checks and red flag laws yesterday,' said Chicago student activist Jay Patel, 19. CGTN interviews revealed widespread support for policies balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety measures common in other G20 nations.
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D.C. rally demands action on gun reform to end mass shootings
cgtn.com
