A group of young far-left activists protested in favor of gun control in Sumner County Friday.
A coalition called Protect Guns Not Kids is a pop-up group that has gained traction by protesting against guns across Tennessee, including at the Tennessee Capitol, after a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville that claimed six lives.
One of the protestors, Natalie Schilling, spoke to reporters.
“To remind them they work for these folks, they work for these residents, and we want to remind him that this is not his sole power to make all of these decisions. He has to listen to his constituents,” she reportedly said. “This is not just a right or left issue; everyone can agree that we don’t want to be having gun violence on our streets. We can protect the Second Amendment and protect our kids at the same time.”
The group is actively fundraising for a campaign against Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R).
“Today is a testament to the incredible organizing work of our movement,” the group said Friday on Twitter. “The fight for change happens in Davidson and Williamson and Sumner and Hamilton. We will not let justice be deferred any longer!”
Consider donating to support our work in securing the special session! https://t.co/kkknw6TUqT
— Protect Kids Not Guns 🧡 (@KidsNotGunsTN) June 16, 2023
“Consider donating to support our work in securing the special session!” the group added, linking to a GoFundMe page. That page has raised just over $2700 at the time of publication.
According to the report, the Protect Kids Not Guns Coalition plans to continue protesting, even outside of Davidson County, before a special session of the General Assembly.
It is unclear how the group is funded.
Lee called the special session to address gun control, and has called for red flag laws, drawing the ire of conservatives across the state.
Despite Lee’s concessions to the political left, far-left agitators still plan to wreak havoc during the special session.
The Republican-led Tennessee House has made it clear that it will not support red flag laws.
“Any red flag law is a non-starter for House Republicans,” the House majority party said on Twitter. “Our caucus is focused on finding solutions that prevent dangerous individuals from harming the public and preserve the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. We have always been open to working with Governor Lee on measures that fit within that framework.”
Last week, the House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) told The Tennessee Star that he has spoken to Lee about the matter.
“There is no red flag proposal from Gov. Lee to consider as our caucus will not support the destruction of our citizens’ constitutional rights,” said Garrett. “I have been in contact with the governor and have expressed the desire to address mental illness through treatment and resources for those who may be a threat to themselves and others. These conversations will continue, and we’ll determine the best ways we can help these individuals in crisis while improving public safety in communities across our state.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter.
Photo “Gun Protest” by Chip Vincent.
