Teen gun control activists stage die-in outside of the White House

America’s high schoolers have become central to the gun control debate in the days after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

A group of teens staged a “die-in” outside the White House to protest the government’s slow response to the pressing issue of gun crime in the US. Activists from a group named Teens for Gun Reform gathered in protest, 17 of them lay on the floor in solidarity with the same number of young people that lost their lives last week. Other protesters were heard chanting “We want safe schools!” and holding signs that read: “Are we next?”

Teens for Gun Reform explained the symbolism of the demonstration on their Facebook event page: “By doing this, we will make a statement on the atrocities which have been committed due to the lack of gun control, and send a powerful message to our government that they must take action now.”

As well as evoking the number of students killed, the protest only lasted a few minutes “in order to symbolize how quickly someone, such as the Parkland shooter, is able to purchase a gun in America.”

It’s admirable that although these activists cannot legally vote they can use social media and protest to make their voices heard. And while this occurred outside the White House, inside President Trump is probably gearing up to host a listening session with high school students and teachers tomorrow. 

If you’re watching this news unfold from afar and you’re wondering what you can do to get involved, here are some things you can do to help gun control.