Hoboken Students Rally At City Hall Against Gun Violence

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken students held a rally to "end gun violence" at Hoboken City Hall on Friday, April 20, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre.

The event will be hosted by Hoboken members of Students Demand Action Hudson County as well as Moms Demand Action Hudson County. It was supported by Hoboken Mayor Ravinder Bhalla.

Hoboken student Toby Platt, 13, an organizer of the rally, said before the event that he didn't intend to "politicize a tragedy" that happened before he was even born.

"But children's lives are apolitical, and we need to discuss solutions to gun violence in schools," Platt said. "The fact is, school shootings have been commonplace my entire life. Mass shooter drills are part of the learning routine - my school had one just this morning. While I shouldn't have to fight for my own, or others', right to live, I will do everything I can to make sure my community never has to know the pain so many have had to face."

Hoboken students held a separate rally against gun violence on March 14 as part of the national #ENOUGH rallies.

• See related article: Hoboken Students Hold School Walkouts Against Gun Violence

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Photo: City of Hoboken

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