Moms Demand Action rally goes virtual for 2021

MARYLAND – Normally Moms Demand Action would flood the streets of Annapolis to advocate against gun violence. But this year the event went virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Gun violence prevention is more important that ever as the pandemic continues to exacerbate gun violence after a year of increased gun sales, increased calls to suicide and domestic violence hotlines, and an increase in city gun violence,” said Maryland Chapter Leader Danielle Veith.

Organizers say although they wish they could send their message like they normally do, going virtual actually was beneficial in some ways. For one thing, they were able to reach more people and include more voices. Plus, organizers say they hope to expand the event even more by using the virtual setting in the future. “We are the first state within Moms Demand Action doing a virtual advocacy day. This year we’re using a brand new virtual system, which we’re really enthusiastic about. So that’s definitely one of our benefits,” said Moms Demand Action volunteer Nicole Hollywood.

The organization’s three main focuses this year were overriding Governor Larry Hogan’s veto on background checks for rifles and shotguns, banning ghost guns – or guns that you assemble yourself or 3-D print – and promoting police accountability.