Rally at State Capitol calling for gun reform while respecting 2nd Amendment rights

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Gun reform supporters gathered at the State Capitol in Downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, as a bipartisan group underlined their support for the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, while urging lawmakers and Gov. Ducey to pass laws to help keep guns out of the wrong hands.

People at the rally say they believe both Republican and Democratic voters will support what they call "Common Sense" gun reforms, while preserving the 2nd amendment right to bear arms. Maricopa County sheriff Paul Penzone was at the event to show his support, and there were some very touching personal stories.

The crowd of over 200 people wore red "Moms Demand Action" T-Shirts. One of those mothers was Deborah Parker. Calling herself a "survivor", Deborah says her daughter was shot dead in Chandler by a man with an AR-15 rifle.

"She was at a Christmas party with friends celebrating birthdays," said Deborah. "Lindsay was sitting on the porch, talking on the phone with the Christmas lights twinkling. It was a beautiful evening. And there was a drive-by shooting. There were five people in the car. They opened fire on the house, apparently aiming for somebody else. Five people were shot that day, and Lindsay was shot through the head. Her brains were blown out, and she was killed instantly."

Patrice Parker isn't a mom. She's only 12 years old, but she calls herself a "survivor" as well.

"When I was nine months old, my mom was shot in the head by a convicted felon with an AR-15, so I want people to not go through the pain I had to," said Patrice.

Moms Demand Action are calling for laws to take guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and people struggling with mental illness. In addition, they are calling for universal background checks for gun purchases.