Teen goes viral after posting about being the only student at his school to walk out

A 16-year-old high school student in North Carolina received widespread support on social media on Wednesday after posting a video during his lone walkout. 

Justin Blackman was the only student from his high school who walked out of class in support of National Walkout Day, a movement that spread across the country to advocate for gun control one month after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida. 

Blackman posted a video to Twitter saying “like six people” would hopefully watch it. But the post went viral, with over 33,000 retweets and 168,000 likes on Wednesday. 

Wow I’m literally the only one #NationalSchoolWalkout pic.twitter.com/2F95qY2vTI

— Justin Blackman (@JustinIBlackman) March 14, 2018

{mosads} Blackman received praise from celebrities and activists like Chelsea Clinton, Alyssa Milano and comedian Samantha Bee. 

You’re not alone Justin.

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) March 14, 2018

I’m right next to you. https://t.co/kxU8GhLfGG

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 14, 2018

We’re watching, Justin! https://t.co/wXRYfNBofW

— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) March 14, 2018

The teenager wrote on Twitter though that he was hoping for a message from Ellen Degeneres. 

Is it possible for me to get a dm from @TheEllenShow that would be cool

— Justin Blackman (@JustinIBlackman) March 14, 2018

Blackman said his Spanish teacher let him leave class without a word but other students protesting across the country faced penalties from their administrators. 

A Chicago student was handcuffed and led away by police for participating.

A group of students in California broke through locked gates after school officials banned them from leaving campus.