In the days following a fatal police shooting in Grand Rapids, Together West Michigan and City High School Students Demand Action convened more than 60 residents for a town hall on gun violence.
Hosted by Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, the students shared personal stories and asked lawmakers to respond to their questions about how to improve local gun safety. The action included Representatives Phil Skaggs, Stephen Wooden, John Fitzgerald, and Carol Glanville.
[Excerpt]
Allison Dock, a senior at City High, spoke about the greater ripple effect that comes from acts of gun violence.
“Change will not happen by accident. It will happen because we decide that enough is enough. Because we believe every child deserves to grow up without fear, because we refuse to let violence define who we are.”
Sophomore Nya Wheeler offered a litany of loss, listing the names and circumstances of eight Grand Rapids youth lost to gun violence since the summer of 2024.
“We can't reverse the clock, but we can prevent more lives from being lost,”
Wheeler said. “Everyone in this room can help to achieve a future where students and teachers don't risk their lives.”
City High Chapter of Students Demand Action Holds Gun Violence Town Hall, The Rapidian [pdf]
Students Demand Action Event Feb 23rd 2026, PRMBC Grand Rapids [video]