Parkland high school students walkout, march to memorial set up for 17 shooting victims
PARKLAND, Fla. --- Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Fla., walked two miles from their school on Wednesday to memorials set up for the 17 victims who were gunned down by a former student on Valentine’s Day.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas students were accompanied by students from nearby Westglades middle school and the crowds closed some streets as they marched, chanting, “MSD!” and “We want change!”
Students said they are doing this to honor the memory of their friends, but also to make their voices heard as they ask Congress to enact stricter gun laws and ban assault rifles like the one used in the shooting.
More: 'We deserve better': Students nationwide walk out in massive protest over gun violence
Administrators from both schools encouraged students to return to class, but students chose to go to the memorials against the administration.
Police lined the streets of Parkland directing traffic and helping to close roads as the tide of students grew to make the two mile walk.
More: 'We're not backing down': One month after shooting, Parkland student movement picking up steam
