Sixth grader leads protest outside of Noblesville gun shop

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A Noblesville Schools sixth grader is being credited for beginning the protest that is ongoing outside of a gun shop in downtown Noblesville.

Ray Kenley, a Noblesville East Middle School student and grandson of former State Senator Luke Kenley, said he had been at the corner of 10th and Logan Street for more than six hours as of approximately 4 p.m. to protest the grand opening of Hoosier Armory, a new gun shop at 98 N. 10th St.

“When I heard about the shooting I couldn’t really process it in my mind, and I wanted to represent for West (Middle School) because I knew all the kids were having a hard time, Kenley said. “When I first heard the news of the shooting I was shocked. In a place like Noblesville, I never thought this would happen.”

Mostly students made up the crowd of approximately 50 protesters, but some parents and community members also came to show support, including Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear and his wife, Teri.

“I talked to the owner (of Hoosier Armory), and this is their grand opening. It’s been planned for months, and I appreciate and understand that, but I did go in and ask them to think about shutting this down, simply because of the sensitivity over community after the school shooting yesterday,” Ditslear told Current. “I told them it was bad for their business, bad for the city, and that it was just in bad taste. The owner told me he thought it was time for me to leave.”

Many driving by the protest honked in support, while some others yelled profanities at the protestors.

A prayer vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Federal Hill Commons.


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