Students walk out at CVPA High School, protest gun violence

ST. LOUIS - A student-led walkout and protests over gun violence are taking place Friday outside Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis.

Students Demand Action organized walkouts at several schools nationwide on Friday in an effort to advocate for stronger gun safety measures in schools and communities.

The walkouts follow a deadly shooting last Friday at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.

"Through this peaceful and impactful form of civic engagement, students in St. Louis and across the nation are urging those in power to take action and save lives. SLPS is committed to supporting these students in their advocacy," said the Saint Louis Public Schools district in a statement via Facebook.

Early Friday afternoon, FOX 2 spotted dozens of students outside CVPA holding signs such as "Protect Lives, Not Guns" and "Stop the Violence."

In October 2022, one student and one teacher were killed and seven others were wounded when a gunman opened fire at CVPA. Police later killed the gunman, identified as 19-year-old Orlando Harris.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.