The Indian American community in Southern California’s Riverside County marched in memory of the mass shooting victims of Los Angeles, Uvalde, Buffalo and other cities recently.
The Press-Enterprise reports the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin organized the rally in Downtown Riverside.
“Our main concern is that this can happen everywhere, anywhere,” chapter President Venkat Peddi said. “We need gun control. These days, you can buy a gun like you buy candy. There are no restrictions or scrutiny, no vigilance.”
According to the Quint, the march began at the Mahatma Gandhi statue and followed the Riverside Peace Walk.
They advocated for reform of existing gun laws.
Shikha Hamilton of Organizing at Brady: United To End Gun Violence, along with Foster City Mayor Richa Awasthi, organized a similar event in the Northern California city.
Numerous high-ranking Indian American officials have also called for reform.
“We owe it to the victims, the survivors, our kids, and each other to treat gun violence like the emergency it is. As a parent and as an American, I can’t fathom the depth of pain those grieving in Uvalde are feeling. … We must do better as a country,” said United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, reported the New India Times.
“How many more elementary school shootings need to happen before Republicans decide to act?” implored Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).
On Wednesday, the House passed a sweeping bill for gun reforms. However, it is unlikely the Senate will pass it. A bipartisan group in the Senate is working on a less wide-ranging package.
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