Thousands rally at March for our Lives event in San Luis Obispo

From students, to ministers, to moms and teenagers, m ore than five thousand rallied at Mitchell park in San Luis Obispo to decry gun violence on Saturday afternoon.

“T oday we march for the 15 dead in Columbine,” said a student speaker to the large crowd before the march kicked off. “T oday we march for the 27 dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School. T oday we march for all the families across this nation who have lost their children to gun violence.”

The event began at 2pm with songs and speeches by local high school and college students who said now is the time for change in policies they say are outdated, and don’t value students’ lives.

“I ‘m here because we shouldn’T have to live in fear,” said Denise Holt, a high schooler.

“I ‘m here because it’s important to stand up to the government that isn’t doing their job,” added Lauren Hendrickson, another young student.

The protest was peaceful and it concluded at around 4pm Saturday afternoon.