DC teens hold lie-in at White House in solidarity with Florida victims

WASHINGTON (WJLA) - They’re not old enough to cast a ballot but teens from across the D.C. area are determined to create change after the latest school shooting.

Two high school juniors created the group “Teens for Gun Reform” on Friday. Three days later, more than 100 students and adults showed up in front of the White House to rally for new gun legislation.

“Because we are under 18, we can’t vote but we still want our voices to be heard. So, through the power of social media we want to let politicians know, and as many people as possible know, that we want something to be done,” said Eleanor Nuechterlein, one of the two 16-year-old organizers of the rally.

On Monday afternoon, 17 kids silently took their spot on the cold, wet ground in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The number 17 represents the students and teachers who died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“These are children that are my children’s age. And every mother down there is grieving. It is time that we do something about it,” said Eleanor’s mother Abby Spangler.

Parents who joined in the protest said they hope their children will be a part of the unifying voice lawmakers will listen to.

“The more young people we get to come out, I think it really important because we are the future,” said 15-year-old Nina Davy.

Teens heard about the event through social media and word-of-mouth. The organizers said they hoped for 17 people to show up but the group expanded to more than 100.

Sixth-grade student Michael Discenza was one of the many who laid down in front of the White House.

“I think it’s a really, really important message that people are sharing out here and it felt really important that I would be a part of it,” the 11-year-old said.

For the kids, there is power in numbers, not in age.

“Politicians haven’t enacted some sort of change and we’re not ok with that and we want our voices to be heard,” said Nuechterlein.

On Sunday, the survivors of the shooting said they will march on D.C. on March 24.