‘Books not bullets,’ Colorado Springs students join nationwide protest of gun violence

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Wednesday schools across the country and here in Southern Colorado participated in a national student walkout to protest gun violence and to call on legislators to enact stricter gun laws.

In Colorado Springs, more than 200 students at Air Academy High School joined in the protest. Many of the students told KRDO they're tired of being afraid to go to school and worrying that at any time they could be a victim of gun violence.

"Books not bullets, books not bullets, books not bullets." 

Those were the chants from students during the one-hour protest. That was meant to raise awareness and make a call for action.

"To have better gun control, better background check everything like that so that people who are dangerous do not get their hands on guns like this," said Anna Shelton, a High School Student at Air Academy.

Shelton said there's been too many mass shooting inside schools just into the beginning of 2023.

"School should be a place where we are safe and not scared that we are going to die," added Shelton.

Some of the students at Wednesday's protest said the topic of stricter gun laws is overdue, and that the change needs to happen now. 

"I've been scared about the same thing since I was in 5th grade and I think it's ridiculous that I'm having to carry this burden all throughout elementary, middle school, and now high school," said Ella Illsley, a student at Air Academy High School.

Many of the students said even if the peaceful protest was small, they hope the meaning behind it will be heard

"I want background checks to be done, I don't want it to be as easy as it is to get a gun," added Laina Therrien, High School Student at Air Capital.  

So far, Students say right now, they are not planning to have another protest but will be coming together to continue making their voices heard.