NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
Hundreds of advocates for tougher gun laws marched across the Brooklyn Bridge forming a human chain to denounce gun violence Sunday afternoon.
State Senator Eric Adams (D-NY), Civil Rights Lawyer Norman Siegel, elected officials, union leaders and concerned New Yorkers will form a human chain across the length of the Brooklyn Bridge, symbolically showing opposition to gun violence and to demand stronger gun control laws.
But the National Rifle Association is standing firm against any potential new reforms.
A passionate crowd huddled at the center of the Brooklyn Bridge Sunday night to call for tighter gun regulations in honor of the 27 lives lost in Newtown, Connecticut.
As the marchers chanted the names of the victims, organizers and participants said they hoped to send a strong message that now is the time to work to ensure what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School won't happen again.
"The thought of what happened to the children, it was the tipping point for me," said former teacher Karen Sullivan.
Among those joining the demonstration was Sullivan who is a former kindergarten teacher from New Jersey.
"I was apathetic, but I'm not apathetic any longer."
It is that feeling of momentum that local leaders hope to channel into real reform –- both on a national and state level.
"We want to reinstitute the assault weapon ban that expired in 2004, we want to ban high capacity magazines," said Siegel.
But the nation's powerful gun lobby reiterated it opposes ant new gun legislation.
"I know everyone in this town (Washington, D.C.) wants to argue about gun control. I don't think it happen," said Wayne LaPierre, CEO and Executive Vice President of the NRA.
On "Meet the Press" Sunday morning, LaPierre stood firm behind his proposal to station armed police officers in every school in the country – a proposal that has been met with criticism from both sides of the aisle.
"If it's crazy to call for putting police and armed security in our school to protect our children, then call me crazy. I'll tell you what the American people think -- I think the American people think it's crazy not to do it."
Back on the Brooklyn Bridge, participants say despite the NRA's stance, they believe reform is possible.
"I think the tide has turned and I'm really hopeful about it," said on advocate.
Lawmakers on both sides seem to agree that achieving national reform will be a tough battle.
In New York, Governor Cuomo plans to announce his proposals for new gun control measures next month.
