Massachusetts

Somerville High School Students Walkout Over Gun Violence

A group of students at a Massachusetts high school walked out of classes Wednesday morning to protest gun violence.

The group called "Students Against Gun Violence" gathered in front of Somerville High School at 8:17 a.m. and went into lockdown crouch positions for 17 minutes — a symbol for the number of people killed in the Feb. 14 mass shooting in Florida.

"We've had issues with gun violence in Somerville. My house has been shot at," said student organizer Amalia Hochman. "It's not a new issue for us, but it's definitely one that cuts deep."

The walkout came the same day that classes resumed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The group said the walkout was to "protest Congress' lack of action regarding comprehensive gun control".

Students said they are frustrated and feel that their lives are in danger due to gun violence.

"It was just a really important thing to do," said sophomore Sarah Sweeting. "Here at Somerville, we've lost two students to gun violence at the beginning of the school year."

"My mom is actually really afraid that I go to school, and then, if that happens at our school, then she's going to be afraid that something could happen to me," said sophomore Cynthia Sorto.

The protest moved from the school to nearby Trum Field where students drafted letters to members of Congress.

"Dear Bill Johnson, many people are getting killed because so many individuals can get weapons easily," Sorto read aloud.

Organizers are working with the March for our Lives Movement and said they plan to stage more walkouts and demonstrations in the future.

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