LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Manual High School students walked out of class today to take action against gun violence.

Dozens of students walked out of class on Friday, September 5, carrying signs and wearing shirts that read “students demand action.”

The demonstration comes in the wake of the deadly shooting in Minneapolis.

Two kids were killed, and over a dozen people were hurt after a gunman shot inside Annunciation Catholic Church.

WAVE spoke with students about why today’s message was so important.

“School is supposed to be a sanctuary for learning,” said Manual senior Joanna Lee. “And we should not have to be practicing lockdowns in case of a shooter.”

“Legislators should be fighting for us,” senior Viet Pham said. “They should not be fighting for the NRA. They should not be fighting for all of the PACs that support assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. At the end of the day, students should be supported. Every citizen and resident should be supported. Everyone in America deserves to be supported and feel safe.”

Students told WAVE they want to see a ban on assault weapons at both the state and federal levels.

They are demanding that lawmakers come together to find a solution.

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