Protesters demonstrate outside of Coal City and Lockport gun stores Monday

COAL CITY – Protesters with the volunteer group Peaceful Communities braved the rain Monday afternoon as they picketed against gun violence outside Southland Firearms in Coal City.

“We are going from one end of the state to the other demonstrating in front of gun shops and gun manufacturers,” said Lee Goodman of Northbrook. “The entire industry should take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions.”

Inside Southland Firearms, owner Joe Smit said he isn’t sure why the group picked his store, but he was grateful to see his customers and members of the NRA come out to support his business.

The business, which operates out of a small storefront on the corner of Division and First streets in Coal City, was bustling as customers made purchases of targets, ammunition and even ponchos to stay dry during the protest.

“We are a peaceful community. Peaceful Communities coming here will be the biggest disturbance we’ve seen,” Smit said.

The four members of Peaceful Communities remained across the street from the store, holding their signs hoping their message would get out. Earlier in the day, Peaceful Communities also protested outside a Lockport gun store.

“We might be small in numbers but we’re big,” said the Rev. Dr. Norris E. Jackson Jr. of St. Paul AME Church in Glencoe. “There needs to be something done about the trafficking of guns into inner cities where there are no gun mills, in communities where there aren’t gun shops.”

He said he would like to see a legislative fix to address the sellers of guns that are used in criminal activity when they are traced back.

“My hope is someone will do something, not just sit back and talk and do nothing,” Jackson said. “We’re trying to raise awareness by going to gun stores and letting them know that someone is watching.”

Coal City Police Chief Tom Best was at the protest, along with other Coal City police, in case protesters got out of hand.

After an hour, the four protesters left peacefully and the crowd broke up.