March for Our Lives peaceful protest held in Albert Lea

(ABC 6 News) – The call for immediate action from local and national lawmakers to pass gun laws was emphasized in communities across the country on Saturday, including in Albert Lea.

Dozens gathered at the Freeborn County Courthouse to demand gun reform.

"I mean I think anybody that is a parent, you don’t want to see any of these things happen in your neighborhood," March for Our Lives Albert Lea organizer Therese Saindon said.

As the organizer of the march, Saindon hoped this brought awareness to gun violence and let kids in school know that there are people trying to protect them.

"I have two daughters and they have had to live through gun, active shooter drills that no child should really have to do," she said.

Activists brought signs to the streets of downtown Albert Lea saying ‘Protect our kids, not gun industry profits,’ and ‘No more blood,’ A teenager held a sign saying ‘Am I next?’

"We need gun control. We need something to happen. I was in high school in 1999 when the shooting at Columbine happened and nothing has been done since. Actually, it’s been worse," Saindon said.

This was one of many groups urging everyone to contact their local legislators to put an end to gun violence.

To contact your Minnesota legislators, click here.