Father of Parkland shooting victim climbs crane near White House in protest

WASHINGTON — The father of a student killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14, 2018 was in Washington, D.C., Monday, where he climbed a construction crane demanding action on gun control.

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Manuel Oliver unfurled a banner from the top of the crane showing a photo of his son, Joaquin Oliver, WTTG reported.

Manuel Oliver himself posted a video to Twitter from the top of the crane, saying, “The whole world will listen to Joaquin today.” He goes on to say that he had requested to meet with President Joe Biden, but was unable to get an audience with the president. Oliver climbed down from the crane at approximately 10 a.m., WTTG reported.

Joaquin’s mother, Patricia Oliver, told WTTG her husband climbed the crane to demand gun control action from Biden.

Biden released a statement Monday about the 2018 shootings, saying in part, “Out of the heartbreak of Parkland a new generation of Americans all across the country marched for our lives and towards a better, safer America for us all. Together this extraordinary movement is making sure that the voices of victims and survivors and responsible gun owners are louder than the voices of gun manufacturers and the National Rifle Association. My administration stands with those working to end this epidemic of gun violence.”

In a statement to WRC-TV, a group with Oliver at the base of the crane said it was calling for action on gun violence: “With Congress unable to pass popular life-saving reforms, President Biden must live up to his campaign promises, prioritize gun violence prevention, and take immediate action to build safer communities across the nation.”

Washington D.C. police told WRC-TV that officers arrested three people, but did not release their names or information on what charges they are facing.

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