AUSTIN, Texas — Nearly a dozen Austin senior citizens took to the streets on Wednesday to voice their collective opinions about gun control.
- Ages range from 77 to 97
- Several have protested before
- They’re OK with guns being used for hunting and protection
The rally took place about a block away from the assisted-living facility the group calls home. The self-proclaimed Austin Seniors for Social Justice range in age from 77 to 97. They are advocating for gun reform.
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This was their first rally as a group, but several of the participants have certainly protested before.
The group's organizer, 80-year-old Annette Wade, says she first protested at a lunch counter during the civil rights movement. Wade’s latest cause — she and her friends hope to raise awareness that not all seniors are against increased gun restrictions.
"The ones that I am friends with are here, and they very much feel the way that I do. They're concerned about it too. And there are others also, but they're not, let's say, outspoken as we are," says Wade.
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One of Wade’s more outspoken friends is gun owner John Roberts, who says guns certainly have their place in society, but he believes assault-style weapons step over the line.
"They don't have any place. I've never used one and I would never intend to. You use a deer rifle if you're a deer guy. You use a shotgun if you're a bird guy," says Roberts.
The protesters say they're all for guns being used for hunting and protection, however, they believe there is room to strengthen gun registration laws and tighten restrictions on gun show purchases.