12 defendants stood trial for their acts against gun violence.
Over 200 others came to the trial to show their support.

What brought people out on a rainy work day? Here were some of the responses from court room.

"In support of the 12 defendants, in greater support of the belief that a firm but peaceful stance against violence, not guns, is the way to reconciliation."

"Loving and supporting those who are willing to stand up against violence."

"I am here because I believe straw purchases are at the root of the gun violence problem." (straw purchase is defined as any purchase from a dealer holding a Federal Firearms License where the buyer conducting the transaction is acting as a proxy for another person - Wikipedia)

"Prophetic ministry can be lonely.  We need to be present with one another."

"In hope that the city will see the need to stand together."

"To support my community member and to witness for peace in out city"

"To pray for justice to unfold and to witness to the peace that is overflowing."

"To support safer streets in Philadelphia and my friends."

"Children learn what they live and we are teaching them the way of the gun

- which must be transformed."

"I am here to support the defendants and to stand in solidarity with those opposed to the violence caused by guns."

"I am here to observe, to pray, and to be a presence witnessing silently for justice and peace."

"In support of the defendants.  Also a greater supporter against the unnecessary loss of life due to gun violence."

"I stand in support of the clergy on trial here."

"I believe in the need for common sense gun law and the abolishment of sales of hand guns and automatic weapons."

"To show support for these men of conscience and take a stand against this outrageous source of so much violence in our city.  These killings do not help us achieve our goal of being America's next great city."

"I am here in support of my best friend in admiration of her convictions."

"To see what a well planned NVDA looks like, and because I have a lot to learn from [the defendants]."

"I am here because I want to support [the defendants] and the cause of reducing gun violence."

"As a person of faith, I support the demonstration against gun violence!

Guns do kill and harm people!!"

"111 homicides in Phila. already in 2009.  When government wants to ban hand-held phones when driving, skateboarding, biking and cannot legislate hand guns - something is wrong."

"To stand with my friends in resistance to violence."

"As a person of faith in God and our legal system to act with the due process mindset.  I also am a 1st grade teacher that figured that this would be a great experience for students within my school.  I also thought my attendance here was a great way to take a stand in the long fight against violence and the use and sell of guns."

"I am here to support my friends who are witnessing against the sale of guns that contribute to violence in Philadelphia."

"I support the 12 in their courageous efforts to peacefully bring about solutions to the tragic gun violence devastating the city of Philadelphia and beyond.  And as a mother, to support their efforts so that all children, in all our communities, can be safe - live in safety - free from the dangers of gun violence."

"I am here in solidarity with those who have taken a courageous stand to reduce gun violence in Philadelphia in calling for the shop owner to voluntarily sign a code of conduct to reduce the prevalence of straw purchases at that location which are linked to crimes."

"To be a part of the hope for Philadelphia and to share the faith that together, whatever our role, we can make the city we love, the city we care for."

Unfortunately, the pad of paper did not make it around the whole courtroom, but I am certain that each person who did not get a chance to write would have had something to add as well.