LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Dozens of people gathered at the Michigan Capitol Wednesday for what they called a ‘peaceful sit-down’ to support the community after Monday’s tragedy in East Lansing.
“If you know a Spartan, hug them, and hold them close because this community is hurting right now,” said MSU graduate Elizabeth Draeger.
Hundreds of people showed up, hoping to make some change and have their voices heard when it comes to gun laws in the state of Michigan.
Speakers posed the question “How many more?”.
“The fact that statistically, it is a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if’ it happens again,” said MSU law student Julia Kemple-Johnson.
The sit-in comes two days after a horrifying and deadly shooting at Michigan State that left three dead and five more injured.
Several students from Michigan State were at the event and a student from Oxford High School spoke and brought tears to the eyes of a number of people in attendance.
Some organizers and veterans were also in attendance.
“We should not be in front of the Capitol, we shouldn’t even be protesting this,’ said MSU student Andrew Peabody. “This should not even be an issue. I should not have to go to school and hear these things.”
High school students also came to have their voices heard, as well as alumni like Elizabeth Draeger.
“My little sister was locked in her apartment for about four hours,” said Draeger. “I sat there about 40 miles away, and I couldn’t do anything.”
Draeger added that her 4th-grade students were so concerned for their own safety after hearing about Monday’s shooting. She said as an educator, she no longer has the answers.
“And I don’t know what I would do in that situation,” continued Draeger. “I look at them and they’re like are we safe here, and I have to tell them I don’t know.”
A community shattered, confused, and heartbroken. Some say they hope their presence here today will avoid another deadly tragedy here in mid-Michigan, and everywhere else.
“I just hope that people call their representatives, and do as much as they can to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again,” said Julia Kemple-Johnson.
One of the veterans in attendance said she believes making gun laws more strict by having background checks and other preliminary rules won’t hurt responsible gun owners.
“As a student veteran myself, my first call went out to my fellow veterans who attend Michigan State to make sure they were okay,” said Amanda Le’anne Brunzell Albi said. “Watching my friends be traumatized like this after they’ve served, this is not the country that we served for and that’s the reason we’re out here today.”
“Talking with legislators here in Michigan, I’m very thankful that we have the leadership of Speaker Brinks and Gretchen Whitmer. What I really hope that happens today is that our federal legislators understand this is an issue and they need to do something before more lives are taken,” Le’anne Brunzell Albi said.
Another community event is scheduled for 6 p.m. at The Rock.
