March For Our Lives Fargo - largest march in recent history

News | March 24th, 2018

FARGO - The March For Our Lives event that began in Washington D.C. on Saturday by Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors, spread across the nation sparking more than 800 “sibling” marches, including a rally in Fargo/Moorhead that attracted hundreds.

March For Our Lives Fargo attracted more protesters to the Sanctuary Event Center than any other recent event. Organized by Moms Demand Action FM, speakers ranged from state legislators to teachers to students.

Nobody asked to eliminate the Second Amendment, but they all wanted change including, mandatory background checks before buying guns, raised minimum ages for gun purchases, and more behavioral health services.

Students read reports from survivors from the Florida shooting. Shaina Eagleson, a teacher, said she does not want armed teachers in schools.

“Instead of arming teachers with guns, arm our schools with more teachers,” Eagleson said.

Toward the end of the march, one man entered the line of marchers and began flipping people off, cursing, and asking why they wanted to lose their freedom.

Speakers included: Cheryl Biller of Moms Demand Action ND chapter, Madeline Cano of Davies High School, Laura Jusu of Davies High School, Shaina Eagleson, mom, teacher, and leader of Moms Demand Action Fargo, Mauli Sand of Sheyenne High School, Representative Karla Hanson of District 44, Nicole Niteka of Sheyenne High School, Grace Brennan a teacher, Daysha Fliginger of Fargo South High School, and Sarah Light of Fargo North High School. Music was performed by James Bergman.

Children listening to Davies High School student and an organizer of March for our Lives Fargo, Madeline Cano speak in front of hundreds of people protesting lack of gun control - photograph by C.S. Hagen

People listening to speakers before the march - photograph by C.S. Hagen

Handmade signs - photograph by C.S. Hagen

Representative Karla Hanson, District 44, speaking in defense of gun control, background checks, and increasing age limit for gun purchases - photograph by C.S. Hagen