INDIANAPOLIS -- Hundreds of students in schools across the country, some in central Indiana, walked out of class Friday to protest gun violence.
The walkouts began after the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in February.
Some of the students who participated say they've had enough.
"People go to school every day and see their friends killed, best friends, family members," said Davion Catlett, a middle school student at Longfellow. "We need to put a stop to it -- these killings in the streets and in schools."
The entire student body of Longfellow, some 300 strong, left the school and headed to the soccer field.
"We're now going to pause of a moment of silence to honor the victims of Columbine. The 12 students and one teacher who passed away," said Eric Paquette, Longfellow school principal.
The students carried signs that they made to deliver their message.
"Instead of just checking their criminal backgrounds, they need to check their mental. Some people have mental disabilities that made them think its okay to do this," said Ciara Valentine, seventh grader.
"You feel like we need to have metal detectors and have book bags checked," said Naomi Heise, art teacher.
Elizabeth Starker has been having conversations with her family, and their supported her participation in the demonstration.
"My family for the past three days, we have been talking about the Florida shooting. My mom really wanted me to participate in this walkout. I feel like the school is safer because we have a police officer on the grounds at all times," said Starker.
The walkout lasted 13 minutes and then students back into the school and resumed class.
The Friday walkouts were timed to coincide with the 19th anniversary of the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado.
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