OFA-MN Volunteers Held Gun Violence Prevention Event in Minneapolis to Mark Six-Month Anniversary of Newtown Shootings

Organizing for Action Volunteers and Supporters Continue to Fight for Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Legislation Six Months after Tragedy Struck Sandy Hook Minneapolis, MN – Tonight, OFA-MN volunteers held a vigil in Minneapolis in honor of the six-month anniversary of the tragic Newtown shootings at Peace Garden. The vigil featured a strong coalition with speakers from Protect MN and Mom's Demand Action. Gun violence survivors and leaders from the faith community were also present. The main message from tonight's event was that people are still demanding action. Highlights of the event included Heather Martens, Executive Director of Protect MN, asking supporters to read off names of individuals lost to gun violence. Over 40 names were read aloud. Jean Ross, OFA-MN Twin Cities GVP Lead, asked that supporters take OFA index cards with them and contact their elected officials immediately. A local choir member led the group in a singing of "We Shall Overcome," while supporters held glow sticks and a sign of unity. It’s been half a year since 20 children and six heroic staff members were senselessly taken at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Congress has yet to pass legislation to help reduce gun violence in the future. While an obstructive minority in Congress have stood with the gun lobby, the parents of those lost at Sandy Hook continue to fight valiantly, with the support of the overwhelming majority of Americans, for commonsense measures like expanded background checks. Organizing for Action volunteers and supporters will not stop fighting because it is simply too important to make sure that we pass legislation that keep guns out of dangerous hands. Tonight, they reiterated to Congress that this issue is not going anywhere, and that it’s time for leaders on Capitol Hill to listen to the voices of their constituents and expand background checks to help protect our children and our communities. Tomorrow, events continue across the state. OFA-MN and Protect MN volunteers will be gathering tomorrow morning in Duluth for a sign waving rally. OFA-MN volunteers from Moorhead, Minnesota will be teaming up with a group from Fargo, ND for a large rally to gain attention of elected officials on both sides of the border. For more information: Blair Lawton (605-212-5084)