‘This can’t keep happening’: Local students walk out as part of nationwide gun violence protest

CHARLOTTE — Students at several Charlotte-area schools walked out of class on Wednesday to protest gun violence.

At noon, local students joined the nationwide movement demanding legislative action on gun violence.

Students across our area got up and walked out of class in hopes that they will be seen and heard.

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At Trinity Episcopal School in Uptown, students ages 10 to 14 marched with a clear message.

“I’m 14 years old, I’m in the eighth grade and I am angry,” said Tessa Fulcher.

Other students fought back emotions.

“Innocent people are dying,” Monica Martinez said while fighting tears.

These students are just a few years older than the three 9-year-old students killed at a school in Nashville, last week.

“This can’t keep happening,” said Hayes Bowman.

Gun violence has become the top cause of death among children, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

The students in Uptown read aloud the names of 96 schools that have experience shootings.

“Remember how easily one of those names could have been Trinity,” said Austin Redmond, a student at the school.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over similar protests at North Mecklenburg High School and Garinger High School where students left class to push back against school shootings.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools sent Channel 9 a statement about the planned protests.

“We have been made aware of a planned walkout to protest gun violence tomorrow morning at Garinger High School. Safety and security measures are in place to ensure the walkout is without incident,” officials said. “At Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, our top priority is to support the academic and social-emotional needs of our students while maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment for all.”

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