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Edmonds moms planning gun violence protest Monday

Some Edmonds moms, heartbroken over the loss of life and disgusted by political inaction, now hope to make their voices heard about gun violence.
Some Edmonds moms, heartbroken over the loss of life and disgusted by political inaction, now hope to make their voices heard about gun violence. (Photo: KING)

They gathered in Georgia Leckie's kitchen Sunday to plot out their plan. Strewn about the island in the center of the room were dozens of pictures of the faces of gun violence in America. The women put each one in a plastic protective sleeve and spelled out each victim's name.

"These faces are all flesh and blood," said Georgia. "We need to protect these kids!"

The four women are organizing a rally Monday afternoon to stop the scourge of gun violence in this country.

"I am a teacher, but I also have to teach my kids how to not get massacred," said Ciara Leckie. "We have these trainings where we have to teach the kids to run for their lives. It isn't right."

Ciara's mom, Georgia, is a grandmother who fears for those kids every time they walk out the door.

"I don't fear ISIS. I fear the guy walking into the school with an assault rifle," she said, fighting back tears. "Why are we allowing it? Does it have to be your own child before you write your congressman?"

For Jane Weiss, it wasn't her own child, but her niece.

"Four years ago today was the last time I saw Veronika. It was her 19th birthday," said Weiss.

Veronika Weiss and five others were murdered by a gunman at UC Santa Barbara four years ago.

"Every single day is a lost day," said Weiss. "It's a lost day of tears. It's a lost day of thinking about them, and it never ends."

Monday's 4 p.m. rally at Edmonds-Woodway High School is designed to push people to political action. Organizers will register people to vote and encourage them to weaponize their ballots to change gun laws and vote out politicians who resist.

"I'm asking for common sense laws," said Georgia. "I don't care if a duck hunter has his duck rifle. I don't care if a deer hunter has his deer rifle, but come on! People are hurting. People are dying."

For more information on Monday's rally visit the group's Facebook page.

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