LANSING, Mich. — On the steps of the state capitol in Lansing, dozens of students rallied for lawmakers to continue working on new gun safety legislation.
"Brian, Arielle and Alexandria, I've begun this work to preserve a legacy for you," said Maya Manuel, a current MSU student and member of Sit Down MSU in her opening remarks.
Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner lost their lives Feb 13, 2023 when a gunman walked into Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. He shot them and five other students who were critically hurt.
Students reflected on the changes they have seen one year after the shooting took place.
"Our work, along with the support of advocates across the state, led to four new gun safety bills being signed into law," said Saylor Reinders, co-president of MSU Students Demand Action.
Following Wednesday's shooting in Kansas City, students said each new tragedy makes them relive February 13, 2023.
"We can’t even properly mourn these tragedies without more shootings taking place. It is incomprehensible that people can't even go to Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Missouri, or that students can't go to school in Atlanta, Georgia without facing the nightmares of gun violence," said Reinders.
Students expressed that lawmakers cannot ‘pick and choose’ what violence to address, calling for them to address the growing conflict in the Middle East and across the world.
"While we stand here, while we call for gun reform and an end to the violence that takes away our laughs and smiles, senseless acts continue to happen around the world," said Alissa Hakim, an MSU student. She also detailed the experience of her family witnessing the violence happening in Lebanon.
The event was hosted by MSU Students Demand Action, who were joined by Sit Down MSU.
Abby Frost, an MSU alumni in Hudsonville, spoke to 13 ON YOUR SIDE via Zoom and said she is proud of the students continuing to push for both state and national legislation.
"Especially with another shooting happening so close to the anniversary, that's also hard, because it's just a reminder of what that day is like, you know, and that another group of people have had to live it," said Frost.
Following a moment of silence, some students took to an open mic to urge MSU administration to better provide support services to students and increase security, along with voicing criticism against the decision to reopen Berkey Hall.
Following the event, many students in attendance went inside and were able to speak with state lawmakers.
Student leaders also voiced their disappointment at the lack of turnout from state legislatures, as Representative Emily Dievendorf and Senator Winnie Brinks were the sole lawmakers to attend.
Before going inside, Manuel said her hope is that gun violence will end for future generations.
"I can’t continuously beg for lawmakers to decide when is the right time for change," said Manuel.
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