Pro-gun rally held in Tallahassee

A pro gun rally that began organically with a post on Facebook drew an estimated 300 gun advocates to the State Capitol Sunday afternoon.

The rally comes on the eve of a Senate vote which will have little impact on those who were there.

Their shirts and signs proclaimed their patriotism and their allegiance to the Second Amendment.

Emotions were high as the names of 265 people, killed in mass violence attacks since Columbine, were read aloud.

State lawmakers are poised to vote on increased school security by allowing some personnel to be armed.

Nathan Buraux, a co-organizer said, “I don’t want to add any more damn names to that list.”

Hands shot up when the crowd was asked who would volunteer.

James Morris said, “If they want to stop the killings, allow the teachers who can carry, to carry.”

Also included in the legislation are better background checks and more focus on mental health, but the legislation will have little impact on most who came. The exception, those under 21 could no longer buy a rifle.

Tiffany Berkely said, “People are living away…for the first time they are living away from their parents homes. And they need to know how to defend themselves, as long as you have the proper training, and everything.”

Some call it a slippery slope.

James Calkins said, “They’re going to try and move it up to 30. That’s what we are afraid of."

The rally also brought two long-shot candidates for Governor and one Pensacola State House Candidate.

The Florida Senate will take a final vote on its school safety package when it meets at ten Monday morning.