Yesterday in Indianapolis, hundreds of volunteers with Moms Demand Action gathered at the capitol to meet directly with lawmakers during an annual Advocacy Day, urging them to oppose dangerous gun legislation.
HB 1643 would let civilians exploit a broad loophole to carry loaded handguns, both openly and concealed, inside elementary, middle and high schools. Last Thursday, Moms Demand Action volunteers testified at the statehouse against the bill.
Volunteers were also joined yesterday by the young people who would be directly impacted by the legislation. “We are just pushing for school safety. We are pushing for people to be safe, living their lives every day, in their communities and their streets and their homes,” said Emily Cole of Students Demand Action Noblesville. Last May, a shooting at Noblesville West Middle School left one student and a teacher wounded.
Survivors of gun violence also attended the annual Advocacy Day, sharing their personal experiences. Kandice Cole, whose son unintentionally shot and killed himself after finding an unsecured gun 18 months ago, told reporters she wants her son’s death to be “a changing force.”
And today, lawmakers will attend a hearing to discuss HB 1651, which would strengthen Indiana’s existing “Red Flag” law. Thirteen states have enacted Red Flag Laws, including eight in 2018 alone.
If you have any questions on Indiana gun legislation, or would like to speak with volunteers with Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action or survivors of gun violence, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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