Students nationwide have decided that enough is enough.  In 2025 thus far, there have been at least 91 incidents of gunfire on school premises. More than 360,000 students have experienced gun violence in their schools since 1999, with guns being the leading cause of death for minors in the United States. In the Greater Richmond area, many remember the 2023 Huguenot High School graduation ceremony at the Altria Theater, which killed two people. Gun violence and its effects on young people, teachers, and parents are extremely significant. Schools ranging from K-12 regularly have Active Shooter drills and plans in place if such an incident were to occur. Parents have unbridled anxiety over the safety of their kids when they go to school every day. 

On August 27, 2025, two children were killed, and 21 other individuals were injured at Annunciation Catholic School during Mass. The story gained national traction, and many were outraged over the loss of life. On September 3, 2025, Second Lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance visited Annunciation Catholic Church to “convey condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy,” said the White House. Kacie Sharp, a parent to one of the children sitting near a victim of the gunman, said, “It [school violence] keeps happening over and over and over— and nothing changes.” This sentiment is echoed by students nationwide who are trying to make their voices heard.

In response to the school shooting at the Minneapolis Catholic school, Students Demand Action and Voters of Tomorrow took to Instagram on Monday, September 1, to announce a walkout slated for that Friday at 12 PM to“demand action on gun violence” This post gained traction in several schools in the Greater Richmond Area. Maggie Walker also hosted a walkout demanding action on gun control laws. The walkout began to gain traction at Maggie Walker the Thursday before the nationwide walkout was scheduled, when the walkout received administrative approval from Mrs. Janssen and Dr. Williams in the Library. That evening, some class officers brought awareness to the walkout by notifying their classes and encouraging students who want to participate to meet at the front steps at 12 PM the next day; the Honor Signing Assembly during Dragon Advisory was even moved so that freshmen and upperclassmen mentors were able to participate in the walkout. 

When it was time for the walkout to begin, students poured into the front steps, holding posters and other signs signifying the demands for stricter gun control laws. At the foot of the stairs were several photographers and a couple of students who were organizing the walkout at Maggie Walker. One of those students was Elijah Lee (‘26). “I think the walkout was amazing, but I also think it was beyond necessary,” said Lee. He feels proud to go to a school promoting a culture of student empowerment and that is students’ duty to speak out on gun violence. “I think also the walkout served as an important point of inspiration for students to come, and a reminder that their voice is important and needs to be heard.” 

Beyond just students, Lee feels “parents, school, administrators, teachers, and those interacting with young people” have the real obligation to speak up on behalf of young people and that they should use their role to help end gun violence by electing people who are willing to make the necessary changes. 

Other schools in the Richmond area participated in the walkout. Hermitage High School in Henrico County hosted a walkout during their study period, where more than 1,000 students left the building in support of the walkout. At Open High School in Richmond, three juniors organized the walkout in front of the school and spoke about the importance of gun regulation.“I think this walk out sent a loud and clear message that our young people are demanding change, and if we do not see change, political leaders will feel the repercussions of their decisions come November,” said Lee.

Sources retrieved from: Instagram, Virginia Mercury, CNN, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg of Public Health, Brady United, NBC 12, WRIC ABC 8NEWS, PBS News, Moms Demand Action