New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams held a rally on the City Hall steps Friday to speak out about the recent violence in the city and across the nation.

Williams also discussed the trauma that he and the nation are enduring amid the violent acts.

Williams said that victims need compensation and assistance. He also added that stronger red flag laws are needed which allow law enforcement to temporarily seize guns from someone who is considered a danger.

Public Advocate Williams added that he's been a leading voice against gun violence for a decade.

He says if gun violence had been taken seriously quicker, maybe the nation would be in a better place.