Emotional Roundtable Held To Discuss Gun Reform Efforts Since Parkland Shooting

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PARKLAND (CBSMiami) – The heated issue of gun reform brought politicians and activists together for an emotional roundtable meeting Wednesday morning in Coral Springs.

Led by South Florida Congressman Ted Deutch (D-22nd District) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi  (D-CA 12th District) the gathering included survivors of the Parkland mass shooting, parents and activists.

Fred Guttenberg the father of murdered student Jaime Guttenberg  spoke of living with the image of his daughter running down the hallway trying to escape the bullets.

"My daughter was within one second of making it around the corner and boom, was shot in the spinal cord," he said.

Guttenberg's words brought Stoneman Douglas survivor Sarah Stricker to tears.

Her best friend Peter Wang, an ROTC cadet that died trying to save his classmates.

"I heard my friends screaming for their lives. I don't know what keeps me going. I'm just surviving," she said.

Congressman Deutch who choked back tears, told the participants there is hope gun reform will happen next year.

"You heard the real pain and resolve to do something about it," he said

Nancy Pelosi said there is bi partisan support for a new law that includes background checks for gun shows and internet sales and for removing weapons from a known threat, something that didn't happen with accused Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz.

"We cannot look at ourselves in the mirror and not promote safety in our country," she said.

And Pelosi has boots on the ground.

The March For Our Lives movement, which has transformed into the Road to Change Tour, is focused on getting out the vote for the upcoming midterm to elect like-minded lawmakers.

"My hope starts with the election. And that means every person who wants gun safety, votes," said Guttenberg.