Father of Alison Parker leads #WhateverItTakes rally in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WSLS 10) - Andy Parker made his first visit to Washington, D.C. Thursday since his daughter, Alison Parker, was killed on live television in Roanoke, Virginia.

The event, called the #WhateverItTakes Day of Action, was inspired by Parker who said the visit was an effort to spread his message that he's ready to do "whatever it takes" to prevent Americans from being killed by gun violence.

The event kicked off at 11 a.m. with Parker joining Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine with a message to congress.

"I'm very confident that the 125,000 supporters in Virginia alone will help me on that mission. That's what it's going to take to bring about change until they do the right thing. And if they won't we will find their replacement," said Parker.

The Everytown Survivor Network, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, joined Parker on Capitol Hill. Organizers said around 50 #WhateverItTakes rallies similar to D.C. are going on across the nation from coast to coast.

WSLS 10's Brie Jackson is in Washington, D.C. for the rally and will have continuing converge throughout the day.

More information about the National #WhateverItTakes Day of Action is available here.

The NRA released a statement in response to the rally held on Thursday:

"Michael Bloomberg funded gun control groups like Moms Demand Action and Everytown know the gun control proposals they are pushing would not have prevented the tragedies they are exploiting. If they were serious about public safety they would look for solutions to fix our broken mental health system. But their hashtag says it all #WhateverItTakes to promote their political agenda.

"It's easier to exploit the tragic event we witnessed last month in Virginia to push a political agenda. This rally is a perfect example. While you'll find plenty with hysteria and rhetoric the last thing you'll hear are solutions."

Congressman Goodlatte also released a statement following the rally on Thursday:

"I was shocked when I heard the tragic news about the murders of Alison and Adam, and my heart truly goes out to their families, friends and coworkers, and the entire Roanoke community that we call home.  Mr. Parker is right – gun violence is an emotional and heartrending issue, one with many root causes, and one that by working together in a constructive manner we can help to further reduce.  I look forward to speaking again tomorrow with Mr. Parker and looking for additional ways to reduce gun violence, while also protecting the rights of law abiding citizens. At the same time, as I have previously pointed out to the Administration, many of our nation's gun laws are not enforced, and the Obama Administration should take immediate steps to fully enforce the gun laws already on the books."