KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Several people gathered at Market Square Friday evening with signs and chants, calling for more gun restrictions in Tennessee. More than 100 people attended the rally, and they called for legislation like safer gun storage, "red flag" laws and closing background check loopholes.
The rally was largely organized by high school students, who said they wanted to see a change in the state's gun laws.
"If we don't come together, the legislature is not going to do anything. We are going to try and come together on a regular basis to keep this message in the forefront. They need to quit listening to gun lobbyists and listen to their constituents," said Mari Brooks, an organizer of the rally.
Governor Bill Lee previously said he would call for a special session of the legislature to focus on public safety. However, his office later said that a special session was not likely to happen until after July 4.
A recent poll released by Vanderbilt University also found that guns ranked third among registered voters. The issue was beaten by education and the state's economy.
The rally was sponsored by Knoxvillians for Common Sense Gun Laws, according to the rally's flyer. Attendees were encouraged to wear red at the event. It was named "A Community Rally for Common Sense Gun Laws" and lasted from 6 p.m. through 7 p.m.