Kriseman wants city to divest from companies that sell assault-style weapons

As thousands converged in St. Pete's Poynter Park for the local March for our Lives Rally against gun violence, St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman made a bold statement to the crowd.

"What we're going to be recommending is that council go ahead and authorize our investment committee to no longer purchase investments in companies that manufacture, wholesale or retail assault-style weapons," he said.

The city currently has more than $700 million in investments, although it's unclear how much money might be supporting assault weapon manufacturers.

Kriseman said he will give a recommendation to council within the next two weeks. Council member Darren Rice, who was also in attendance at today's rally, said she will vote in support of the change.

"We're limited in what we can do because the governor can actually take us out of office or fine is $5,000, but this [amendment] allows us to divest from companies that manufacture military weapons and hit them in their pockets where it hurts."