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March For Our Lives in Buffalo draws 3,000

Western New Yorkers take part in Buffalo's "March for Our Lives" event as thousands of others march across the country with the same message.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A whirlwind 24 hours for Western New York students and gun control advocates started when two buses full of students and adults left Friday at midnight to attend the March for Our Lives in Washington.

"Gun control is a very important thing. That's why I wanted to go on this trip,” said 8th grader Ariyona Clayburn before boarding a bus.

Clayburn was joined by students from Clarence, Buffalo, and elsewhere.

"People die every day, and their lives...not only my life matter's, but all lives matter,” said Pathways Academy freshman Craig Lynch.

Then Saturday afternoon, marchers who stayed in Buffalo filled Niagara Square.

"Challenge our government to reform,” said a young woman, addressing approximately 3,000 attendees. "We refuse to accept thoughts and prayers from our legislators as opposed to change.”

That crowd stood before a series of students, who spoke with passion about why they hope politicians are listening.

"Stop the sale of high capacity magazines and restrict the amount of ammunition,” said a young man, detailing the legislative change he and his peers seek.

Adults – some who have kids and some who don’t – want to see change, too.

"Our job is protect children,” said Amy Cappuzzello, a Buffalo teacher.

And while a main message is for safer schools, many gun law reform advocates made clear that they want safer communities and safer streets, too.

"Should people today be worried that we're out here? Should we be worried if we go shopping?” Ann Comverso, a former nurse.

Comverso used to be at the front line of treating gun wounds in an ER.

“It's really an unacceptable way to live, and that's just scary to people, and people shouldn't have to live like that,” she said.

Two Marjory Stoneman Douglas survivors joined the local march. They happened to be in Buffalo for a hockey tournament and stood with local politicians on City Hall steps.

"You heard our young people say that come November, they're going to be going to the polls, and they will remember who stands with them and who doesn't,” said Mayor Byron Brown.

Buffalo's rally was among at least 700 scheduled in cities across the country on Saturday afternoon.

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Here's our gallery of the March:

The rally began Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the steps of City Hall, before the march proceeded through downtown.

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