The names of the towns forever changed by high-profile mass shootings may have changed, but the message sounded much the same as demonstrators resurrected the March 4 Our Lives, last held in 2018.
In Louisville, speakers gave voice to a pain that’s again reached a fever pitch.
"How many more fathers? How many more students, teachers, and churchgoers? How many more? Enough is enough!"Rose Smith, who lost her son to gun violence in 2014
The youth-led march also saw speeches from Congressman John Yarmuth and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer – with the latter pointing to Kentucky’s senior senator, Mitch McConnell, as someone who could singlehandedly change the conversation on guns.
For now, McConnell is maintaining a cautiously optimistic tone on bipartisan gun safety reforms, saying leading lawmakers in both parties are making headway in their discussions.
The leader continues to stress the limited scope of the ongoing gun safety talks, putting a spotlight on the specific high-profile incidents that have raised national alarm bells in recent weeks.
In a statement, the minority leader said the principles announced in a bipartisan framework Sunday show “the value of dialogue and cooperation.” He goes on to say he hopes the talks yield a product that also “respects the Second Amendment, earns broad support in the Senate, and makes a difference for our country.”
The framework focuses on an enhanced review process for individuals under 21 years old, penalties for straw purchases, funding for school safety resources and incentives for states that enact “red flag” laws.
