BOISE -- Students across the Treasure Valley swarmed to the Idaho Capitol Wednesday morning as part of a nationwide protest against gun violence.
A crowd numbering more than a thousand gathered on the Statehouse steps, many carrying signs and inscribed with slogans including "Am I next?" "Love your kids, not your guns" and "No more thoughts and prayers."
The National Walkout Day rally comes one month after 17 people were shot and killed in the Valentine's Day attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.
Josh Dittrich, who attends Timberline High School in Boise, said he hopes the movement spurs new restrictions on gun ownership. He expressed frustration at what he felt was a lackluster response from politicians, who he says do not have as much on the line as the young people who turned out at Wednesday's rally.
"We're the ones with our lives on the line, we're the ones that are at risk," he said. "If someone busts in and shoots up a school, it doesn't affect the people in [the Statehouse,] so they shouldn't be able to vote and decide on it. That should be up to us."
Dittrich, who is 15, said Idaho's lawmakers would be wise to remember that the high-school aged protestors on the Capitol steps will be the voters of tomorrow.
"I believe that we need stronger regulations, and I think that's what they should lobby for, especially if they want to win my vote when I'm old enough," he said.
Students at the Capitol chanted "enough is enough" and turned their attention to speakers who used a megaphone to call out to the growing crowd.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paulette Jordan was among those who spoke, telling the protestors they were showing the world they had a voice.
"This movement is about all of you: The students who have been failed by the people," Jordan said. "It's about you claiming your own power."
Jordan called for change, telling the students their activism was needed in Idaho.
"The future of this state belongs to all of you," she said.
Anna Gable, 17, described the rally as a powerful moment.
"All the speakers had such a great message," I walked up and seeing this large crowd and being able to sit up on thesteps - goosebumps all over."
Gable attended the protest with fellow Timberline student Sophia DeMordaunt, who said she hoped the massive turnout would help spur change.
"No one wants to go to school being scared," she said. "I think kids showed they have a voice and they could make a difference."
PArticipants in the rally sat and lay on the ground outside the Capitol as the names of children and adults lost to gun violence were read aloud. As the protest on the Capitol steps wrapped up, students filtered into the Capitol building, filling the rotunda.
Students at schools across U.S. and as far away as Australia and Germany are participating in the walkouts.
KTVB has crews at the Idaho Statehouse and schools across the Treasure Valley. This story will be updated throughout the day.