Gays Against Guns storms New York after Las Vegas massacre to tell Donald Trump: ‘Don’t tweet. Lead!’
(Facebook/Athena Soules)
LGBT people have rallied together to support better gun control laws after at least 59 people were killed and 527 injured in yesterday’s Las Vegas mass shooting.
More than 100 Gays Against Guns protesters took to Times Square in the centre of New York City with signs reading: “Keep NYC gun free” and “Justice”.
Last night’s rally was in reaction to the deadliest mass shooting in US history.
(Facebook/Gays Against Guns)
Armed with 16 guns, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock stood in his Mandalay Bay hotel room and shot at the 22,000 people attending an open-air music festival.
Many people found out yesterday that a lot of gay and bisexual men can’t give blood in Las Vegas to help those injured by the mass shooting, and voiced their outrage.
(Facebook/Gays Against Guns)
On her show, Ellen DeGeneres called for love over hate in an emotional tribute.
Responding to the 273rd mass shooting in the US this year, Gays Against Guns mobilised to get their message across.
One speaker asked the crowd: “What’s the name of that terror organisation?”
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As the crowd answered “NRA,” he said: “That’s right, the National Rifle Association. You keep that in mind.”
The announcer encouraged the protesters to look up their representatives and see how much the NRA had donated to them.
Most current members of Congress – 307 out of 535 – have accepted donations from the NRA, to the tune of more than $3.5 million.
“One of the biggest massacres took place because the National Rifle Association allowed it,” rally organiser Kevin Hertzog said to the crowd.
Gays Against Guns marched on the first anniversary of the Orlando massacre (Getty)
Public Advocate Letitia James repeated this allegation, saying: “Too many politicians are in the pocket of the NRA.”
And she called on protesters to do more than just send thoughts and prayers, as is customary when a tragedy occurs.
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“We’ve got to use our voice, our passion, our anger – it’s not enough just to pray and to send your sympathy,” she told them.
To huge cheers, she added: “That means nothing at this point. If you pray, get off your knees and go to work and demand responsible gun laws.
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“All that we are asking for is responsible gun laws, so that terrorists don’t get guns, and those suffering from mental illness don’t get guns”.
She also urged President Donald Trump to finally display some positive leadership qualities.
“We are asking for the federal government and President Trump not to tweet, but to lead!”
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She added: “This is not the time to be polite.
“This is the time to demand a more perfect union.”
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Chants of “The NRA has got to go!” and “What do we want? Gun control! When do we want it? Now!” could be heard as the crowd made their feelings heard.
Hertzog also told the ralliers: “I hope the people see … The citizens of the United States of America are getting tired of being mowed down in our entertainment venues.”
