Rally for Sensible Gun Laws
Join in honoring the memory and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr and Virginians killed by gun violence on Monday, January 15. The Virginia Center for Public Safety hosts a vigil at the Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower at 2 p.m., followed by advocacy meetings with Virginia General Assembly members from 3 to 5 p.m. The Justice and Advocacy Ministry of Presbytery of the James invites you to join them at these events.
During the vigil, we remember all those who have died by guns this past year, and we will pray for them, their families and all who are impacted by their loss. We also will hear from legislators and others who are working to enact sensible gun laws.
After the rally, we will walk to legislative offices to talk with state representatives about our concerns. At the forefront this year in our requests are:
- a ban on assault weapons,
- changes to concealed carry laws, and
- stiffer penalties for gun owners who do not adequately secure their weapons and ammunition.
To Participate
A group will be leaving from Second Presbyterian, 5 N. 5th St, at 1:30 p.m. to walk to the Capitol. The church is 3 blocks from the Bell Tower, a walk of 7-10 minutes. Parking is available at the church. Please reserve a parking space by contacting Mary Jane Winter.
Those who live in the Charlottesville area are invited to join a bus organized by Charlottesville Coalition for Gun Violence Prevention. The bus trip is free. Meet at Meadows Church, 2200 Angus Rd, by 11:45 a.m.; the bus departs for Richmond at noon. It returns to Meadows Church at 5:00 p.m. Contact Gay Lee Einstein for more info.
Event Details
January 15, 2024
2:00 p.m. - Vigil at Bell Tower
3:00-5:00 p.m. - Advocacy meetings with legislators at the General Assembly building