Kids, parents issue stark warning to pols
NEW YORKERS turned out in force Saturday in a massive Manhattan demonstration decrying gun violence.
A sea of marchers set off from Central Park West at W. 72nd St. after observing a moment of silence for the 17 students and staffers killed at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14.
“I am sick and tired of the gun violence,” said Christine Trajan, 33, of Westchester.
“It’s not just in our schools. It’s in poor communities every single day. Enough is enough.”
The demonstration was among hundreds held across the country as part of a student-led effort to bring about stricter gun laws.
Giancarlo Aquino chose to celebrate his 14th birthday by participating in the march with his mom Monica Aquino, 42; brother, Julian Aquino, 12; and stepfather Edgardo Lopez.
Giancarlo said he’s tired of Washington politicians sitting on their hands as gun violence steals the lives of Americans.
“It’s not right that they’re just ignoring us when we ask them for help and to change gun laws to prevent this from happening,” Giancarlo said. “They’re not going to listen to us. They have to go.”
His mother said she believes it’s vital for adults to support young people in their efforts to stop the gun scourge.
“It’s supporting empowerment of young kids who are going to become our leaders, pushing them to vote,” Monica Aquino said.
“If you (elected officials) don’t want to do your jobs, we’ll push you to retirement,” she added. “We want to change Congress. We want to change the Senate. If you don’t want to do what you’re supposed to do, we’re going to push you out.”
A heavy security presence greeted the marchers as they proceeded south on Central Park West carrying signs that read, “Protect Lives Not Guns” and “Arms Are For Hugging.”
Several cops kept watch as police helicopters buzzed overhead, and sand-filled trucks sat along the route to block potential vehicle bombers.
So many people filled the streets — including Mayor de Blasio, Gov. Cuomo and Sen. Chuck Schumer — that the event turned into more of a rally than a march.
At the corner of W. 82nd St. — 10 blocks north of the starting point — a crowd of demonstrators broke into a chant of, “2,4,6,8 we just want to graduate!”