How has the students’ role evolved?
In the days after the shooting in Parkland, some of the students began drawing national attention with impassioned speeches at rallies, television appearances and pointed responses to critics on social media[1]. They have also reportedly scarfed pizza and met in secret[2] to try to keep the integrity of their kids-first approach.
Still, they have accepted financial support from adults as well. Oprah Winfrey and the couple George and Amal Clooney each donated $500,000 to the cause[4], and other celebrities such as Steven Spielberg have followed suit. Big political names in the anti-gun movement, such as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown for Gun Safety, have contributed help as well.
The activists themselves have raised several million dollars on crowdfunding websites.[5] And Deena Katz[6], an organizer of the Los Angeles Women’s March, is pitching in as an adviser.
Barack and Michelle Obama hand-penned a letter[7] in support of the movement that was obtained by the news outlet Mic, and former President Bill Clinton voiced his support[8] for the activists on Twitter.
How have supporters of gun rights responded to the students?
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Perhaps the most formidable political foe the students face is the National Rifle Association.
Its leaders have questioned whether the students were mature enough[9] to lead a discussion about national policy, and representatives have also accused the movement of being backed by “radicals with a history of violent threats,” a claim that the fact-checking website Politifact deemed untrue[10].
Supporters of gun rights have opted to protest in some areas on Saturday, and to stand down in others.
In Salt Lake City, a rally for gun rights will begin just before the rally for gun control. Both marches will take the same route, from a high school to the Utah Capitol.
The gun rights rally there is led by Bryan Melchior, 45, a co-owner of a website that sells firearms and firearm accessories. Mr. Melchior said that in recent days he had been contacted by many young people who felt that the swell of calls for stricter gun laws did not represent their views.
“We’re marching for the safety, security and protection of the children,” he said, adding that he supports arming teachers and fortifying schools and has developed a school safety program he hopes will be adopted by administrators.
Some supporters of gun rights in Vermont said they were not planning to hold counterdemonstrations during Saturday’s march.
“Most times counterprotesting looks bad, especially
