RALEIGH, N.C. — A nonprofit in the Triangle is demanding state and federal lawmakers act to ban assault weapons after the shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
The Carolina Peace Center hosted a vigil this week in downtown Raleigh for victims of gun violence. Dozens of people came to show their solidarity and support for shooting victims and survivors in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York.
The founder of the nonprofit center, Faisal Khan, is calling on lawmakers to ban assault weapons, implement thorough background checks and introduce commonsense gun laws.
"I think we are done with debate, we are done talking. I think it's time for action," Khan said. "I think legislators from both sides of the aisle have to put American people first. And this is not about politics, it's not about who is going to win the election. It's about our children. Children are our most treasured future. If we cannot protect our children....our future...then what future do we have?" Khan said.
At the vigil Thursday, speakers included people who have lost family members to gun violence. Chantell Felder of Clayton lost her brother to gun violence seven years ago.
"Every victim of gun violence is someone's family member. Whether they are part of a mass shooting or an individual. So we definitely want to get out there and fight for those changes, because this impacts us," Felder said.
Attendees also lay on the ground to represent all of the lives taken by gun violence and finished the vigil by marching around the capital building.