Gun violence rally held in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The effort to end mass shootings ramps up Wednesday. It's the National Day Of Action On Gun Violence Prevention.

In Chicago, people and politicians rallied at Federal Plaza.

Rallies were taking place across the country. They were organized by Democratic lawmakers and all have the same message - to create stricter gun laws.

Dozens staged a sit-in at Federal Plaza Wednesday morning to protest what they're calling outdated, deadly gun laws.

"No human being in this crowd including me should ever have an assault rifle, and no one should be able to buy a gun if they've shown a proclivity for violence," said protester Michele Kurlander.

Among the crowd: Democratic U.S. representatives, who last week staged a 26-hour sit-in on the House floor - demanding a vote on legislation to prevent known or suspected terrorists from being able to purchase firearms.

"The funny thing is, the sit-in was a spontaneous, organic event," said Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley. "So we have to continue to be create and keep this groundswell of support to continue."

Democrats are hoping the rallies Wednesday will pressure Republican lawmakers to do something to prevent tragedies, like the massacre in Orlando June 12.

"We are carrying on the fight to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people," said Rep. Robin Kelly.

Organizers are asking supporters to tweet the hashtags #enoughisenough and #disarmhate.