Around 12 national organizations took part in a rally held in Lafayette Square, located next to the White House, to protest against gun violence, in response to the terrifying mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton that claimed at least 30 lives and left many injured last weekend.
The demonstrators denounced white supremacy and hate in Tuesday’s event, demanding action from the government. They also pointed out the impact of President Donald Trump’s remarks, calling them part of “racist rhetoric and policies.”
Among the groups that participated in the protest were Voto Latino, MoveOn, the American Federation of Teachers, and others.
Various organizations are holding a demonstration against gun violence in Washington, DC. https://t.co/qHUblmpqvP
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) August 6, 2019
Protesters held up signs reading messages such as “Be on the right side of history. Unite against white supremacy”, “Disarm Hate”, “United Against Hate”, “Thoughts & Prayers & Action & Reform” and “Stop High Capacity Magazine Sales.”
Protesters from roughly a dozen activist orgs have gathered across from the White House for a "rally against white supremacy." Chants denouncing white supremacy and "immigrants are welcome here." pic.twitter.com/nobc8A0REf
— Ramsey Touchberry (@ramsberry1) August 6, 2019
On Saturday, El Paso, Texas, saw a gunman opening fire at a Walmart and killing 22 people. 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, who was arrested as the suspect, is charged with capital murder. He may also face federal hate crime and federal firearm charges that could lead to a possible death penalty. Police reportedly found an anti-immigrant document written by Crusius and posted online.
Within a few hours from the El Paso attack, a man shot and killed nine individuals in the Oregon District of Dayton, Ohio. The assailant named Connor Betts was also killed following the incident. Betts claimed to have retweeted extreme left-wing and anti-police posts.
More than 26,000 people, 2,000 of which were children, in the United States have been shot in 2019.
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