Students march in downtown San Antonio against NRA influence

7Andrew Morosky holds his sign as he listens to speakers at beginning of march. Students will be marching downtown as part of the "March On NRA San Antonio," one of several such events happening that day around the country. The event will include speakers and visits to the offices of politicians who have "A" ratings from the NRA on Saturday, Aug.4, 2018. less 7Andrew Morosky holds his sign as he listens to speakers at beginning of march. Students will be marching downtown as part of the "March On NRA San Antonio," one of several such events happening that day around ... more Photo: Ronald Cortes, Photo Correspondent Photo: Ronald Cortes, Photo Correspondent Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Students march in downtown San Antonio against NRA influence 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

Decked in orange and chanting as they marched through the streets of downtown San Antonio, the local branch of Students Demand Action rallied against the National Rifle Association on Saturday morning.

“We want to remind adults that we’re still here, we’re still going to make a change,” said Sophia Mendez, 16, a San Antonio native and march organizer.

The activist group started in Main Plaza and ended outside the federal courthouse on Cesar Chavez Boulevard, calling for “common sense gun reform” and an end to the NRA’s political influence.

Around 60 individuals participated in the march, many of whom appeared to be high school students. Escorted by police officers on motorcycles and led by a team of students holding megaphones and a large banner reading “National March on NRA | San Antonio, Texas,” participants joined together in chants of — among other things — “No more silence, end the violence” and “We are the answers to your thoughts and prayers.”

Members of Move Texas and ACLU People Power were also present to encourage participants to register to vote.

The event began with a rally near San Fernando Cathedral, where student speakers criticized politicians who accept money from the NRA and called for greater voter engagement. The crowd then set off on foot.

Subsequent stops were made outside the offices of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Congressman Henry Cuellar, who have previously received A+ and A ratings from the NRA, respectively.

The march came in the wake of deadly school shootings in Parkland, Florida, and Santa Fe, Texas. It was just one of many such events taking place across the country Saturday.

“We want to be able to show … how united we are, not only as a city but as a nation,” Mendez said. “We want to show how the youth can unite for this, and how … adults can support us.”

One such adult was Whitney Walston, a marcher who moved to San Antonio four years ago.

“I really, really support the cause, and I really support protecting these kids,” Walston said.

Brian Contreras is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. | brian.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @_B_Contreras_