‘First time?’ TikTok teens are comparing school shootings to Congress lockdown

After the Capitol was invaded by Trump supporters on Wednesday, high schoolers compared Congress’ lockdown to the routine drills students practice multiple times a year.

The teens had mixed feelings about the attack on Congress. Some said they felt sorry for representatives because they know the fear that comes with an active shooter lockdown. Others said they didn’t have sympathy for members of Congress because they feel lawmakers have not done enough to prevent gun violence in America, particularly in schools.

Everytown, an independent, non-profit group that studies gun violence reported 130 “gun incidents” on school grounds in 2019.

Some students offered advice they’ve learned in their active shooter drills at school. TikToker @kaptin.kenuckles reminded members of Congress to “turn off all the lights and stay very very quiet and hope they just skip your door and go into another room.”

Many did not have sympathy for Congress members because they are in a position to pass legislation that could prevent gun violence. “Because of laws they’ve passed or failed to pass this is just another random Tuesday and a random American school,” TikTok user @gadonkoze said.

Some students hoped after this experience, members of Congress will work harder to pass gun reform legislation.

Parents also demanded to know if Congress would pass legislation “now that they’ve been trapped and had to run and hide.”

“What are they going to do about helping protect our children?” one TikTok user asked.

March For Our Lives, the student-run group fighting for gun reform legislation, also compared the Capitol riots to American high schools.

Prominent members of March For Our Lives also tweeted about the active shooter drills American students have become accustomed to. “Let’s see if they finally decide to do something about school shootings,” Cameron Kasky, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, said.

So far, no new gun reform legislation has been proposed.