Gays Against Guns storms New York after Las Vegas massacre to tell Donald Trump: ‘Don’t tweet. Lead!’

(Facebook/Athena Soules)

LGBT people have rallied together to support better gun control laws after at least 59 people were killed and 527 injured in yesterday’s Las Vegas mass shooting.

More than 100 Gays Against Guns protesters took to Times Square in the centre of New York City with signs reading: “Keep NYC gun free” and “Justice”.

Last night’s rally was in reaction to the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

(Facebook/Gays Against Guns)

Armed with 16 guns, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock stood in his Mandalay Bay hotel room and shot at the 22,000 people attending an open-air music festival.

Many people found out yesterday that a lot of gay and bisexual men can’t give blood in Las Vegas to help those injured by the mass shooting, and voiced their outrage.

(Facebook/Gays Against Guns)

(Facebook/Gays Against Guns)

On her show, Ellen DeGeneres called for love over hate in an emotional tribute.

Responding to the 273rd mass shooting in the US this year, Gays Against Guns mobilised to get their message across.

One speaker asked the crowd: “What’s the name of that terror organisation?”

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 01: People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after apparent gun fire was heard on October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A gunman has opened fire on a music festival in Las Vegas, leaving at least 20 people dead and more than 100 injured. Police have confirmed that one suspect has been shot. The investigation is ongoing. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

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As the crowd answered “NRA,” he said: “That’s right, the National Rifle Association. You keep that in mind.”

The announcer encouraged the protesters to look up their representatives and see how much the NRA had donated to them.


Most current members of Congress – 307 out of 535 – have accepted donations from the NRA, to the tune of more than $3.5 million.

“One of the biggest massacres took place because the National Rifle Association allowed it,” rally organiser Kevin Hertzog said to the crowd.

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 12:  Keion Carter, survivor of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, breaks down while speaking the audience during a memorial service and rally for the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, down the street from the historic Stonewall Inn June 12, 2017 in New York City. Monday marks the one year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida that killed 49 people. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Gays Against Guns marched on the first anniversary of the Orlando massacre (Getty)

Public Advocate Letitia James repeated this allegation, saying: “Too many politicians are in the pocket of the NRA.”

And she called on protesters to do more than just send thoughts and prayers, as is customary when a tragedy occurs.

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 02: People hug and cry outside the Thomas & Mack Center after a mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on October 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A gunman, identified as Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, allegedly opened fire from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the music festival, leaving at least 50 people dead and hundreds injured. Police have confirmed that one suspect has been shot. The investigation is ongoing. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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“We’ve got to use our voice, our passion, our anger – it’s not enough just to pray and to send your sympathy,” she told them.

To huge cheers, she added: “That means nothing at this point. If you pray, get off your knees and go to work and demand responsible gun laws.

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 01: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains graphic content.) People carry a peson at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after apparent gun fire was heard on October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are reports of an active shooter around the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

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“All that we are asking for is responsible gun laws, so that terrorists don’t get guns, and those suffering from mental illness don’t get guns”.

She also urged President Donald Trump to finally display some positive leadership qualities.

“We are asking for the federal government and President Trump not to tweet, but to lead!”

Lindsay Cotterman (L) and Shawna Pieruschka attend a candlelight vigil at the University of Las Vegas student union October 2, 2017, after a gunman killed at least 58 people and wounded more than 500 others when he opened fire on a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada late October 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

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She added: “This is not the time to be polite.

“This is the time to demand a more perfect union.”

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 02:  An ambulance leaves the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Ave. after a mass shooting at a country music festival nearby on October 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A gunman has opened fire on a music festival in Las Vegas, leaving at least 20 people dead and more than 100 injured. Police have confirmed that one suspect has been shot. The investigation is ongoing. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Chants of “The NRA has got to go!” and “What do we want? Gun control! When do we want it? Now!” could be heard as the crowd made their feelings heard.

Hertzog also told the ralliers: “I hope the people see … The citizens of the United States of America are getting tired of being mowed down in our entertainment venues.”

Watch the rally here: