TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Gun-control advocates put on a dramatic display at the Florida Capitol Tuesday.
The bill, passed Monday by the Florida Senate, upset a number of local groups pushing for gun reform. The bill still hasn't reached Governor Rick Scott's desk.
Before it does, a group of social justice activists sent a message to lawmakers reviewing the legislation.
"Don't shoot!"
Two words, followed by 17 minutes of silence. Seventeen, one minute for each person killed at a Parkland high school last month. The demonstration was called a 'die-in.'
Surrounded by signs and the names of the 17 who lost their lives, these activists sent a message that needed no words.
"Gun reform does not equal a greater level of mass incarceration or even more killings and death of black and brown people, especially our children," said Jhody Polk, the executive director of the Florida Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls.
The die-in comes a few days after a pro-gun rally outside the Historic Old Capitol.
"I'm all for keeping our students safe -- so is everybody here -- but by taking my rights away from me and their rights away from them is not the way to do it," said Matt Johnson, the organizer for the pro-gun rally.
Monday, the Florida Senate spend several hours going over the controversial bill that's bee passed to the House for review. Some of the protesters said they've lost faith in the current Florida legislature.
"Nothing will change that needs to be done here, unless this whole group is swept out and we have people that come in there with common sense gun legislation," said Herb Shelton, a Tallahassee resident. "You can't expect anything from this legislation right here."
The group said the proposed bill still allows certain school personnel to be armed. Protesters said that endangers students of color who they say are already being racially profiled.
"What kid is going to come to their teacher or their administrator or their librarian if they're packing to ask for safety?" said Lakey Love, a social justice organizer.
A few lawmakers stopped by to thank the protesters for their message before heading back into the legislative chambers to continue with session.
