Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence

CREATED Jan. 21, 2013

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  • Civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., was shot and killed in 1968. Monday night in Palm Desert, a group honored his memory and other victims more recently killed by gun violence. Video by kmir6.com

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At Palm Desert Civic Center Park on Monday, valley residents gathered for a vigil commemorating victims of gun violence and also honoring Martin Luther King, Junior.
Civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., was shot and killed in 1968.
Monday night in Palm Desert, a group honored his memory and other victims more recently killed by gun violence.

Two children recited the names of those killed in the Newtown, Connecticut shooting and the people killed by gun violence here at home this past year.
"Students at my school and I know students in the area wanted to do something to show that they cared about the children that died in Newtown," said teacher and event organizer, Gabrielle Jackson.
Palm Desert resident, Randy Rusk, watched part of the gun violence vigil and shared his views on firearms.
"Protection for personal use and property, but I think its tragic when it goes beyond that and innocent lives get taken," said Rusk.
But the recent mass shootings have many questioning gun laws.
"I wouldn't want to have a high powered gun that could shoot a lot of bullets really fast, I don't think that's appropriate," said Jackson.
Over at Guns of Distinction, owner John Holcomb says vigils for victims are important.
"I think its important that people in the community realize that we have a real problem when it comes to violence, whether it's gun violence or gang violence or any kind of violence," said Holcomb.
But Holcomb says the real problems are not being addressed.
"I think we really have to look at our society, our culture, and why are we where we're at today, versus where we were 50 years ago when we had just as many firearms, less laws, and less violence," said Holcomb.
Back at the park, Rusk says it was an appropriate day to hold a vigil.
"I think it's a great day to do it, and I believe in equal rights and independence so there's no better day than Martin Luther King for sure," said Rusk.
As the sun sank in the sky, the vigil came to an end.
People held hands, remembering past leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, John Lennon: all victims of gun violence.
Occupy Coachella Valley was the main group that put the event together.