A student-led “Rally for Antioch” is set to take place Monday at the Tennessee State Capitol, as young activists call for stricter gun legislation in the wake of a tragic school shooting.
The rally comes after the death of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante, who was fatally shot on Wednesday, Jan. 22, when a fellow student opened fire in the Antioch High School cafeteria.
“Every school shooting affects every student in the state of Tennessee,” said rally organizer Hannah Mosher, a senior at Hume-Fogg High School. “We are all scared, and we really need legislative action as soon as possible so this does not happen again.”
The demonstration will advocate for policies such as tougher background checks, mandatory waiting periods for gun purchases, and red flag laws to prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands.
State Representative Gloria Johnson, who faced expulsion last year for her role in a gun control protest, is expected to attend, alongside students from Antioch High School who will share their stories.
The rally coincides with a special legislative session, amplifying student voices calling for immediate action to curb gun violence.
Last week, two students were shot at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The gunman then turned the gun on himself.
Metro Schools announced a lockdown after shots were fired in a school building.
“Announcement: Antioch High School is on a lockdown due to shots being fired inside the school building. Metro Police are on the scene. The person responsible for shooting is no longer a threat. We will be gathering students in the auditorium and will provide information on reunification as soon as possible,” the statement read. “This is an active crime scene and investigation. We will work with the MNPD to provide further updates as they become available.”
Buses were transporting students to Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital to be united with their parents.
