Lawmakers from various government levels in Minnesota, along with advocates for gun control, gathered in Minneapolis on Thursday to urge for state and federal gun control measures following the recent shooting at a Catholic church. The tragic incident claimed the lives of two children and left 18 others, mostly children, wounded.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala, the executive director of Moms Demand Action, expressed frustration, stating that politicians prioritize the interests of the gun lobby over the safety of children. Deadly gun violence has unfortunately become more frequent in places like schools and churches, once deemed safe, sparking national debates on gun access despite security enhancements.
The shooter, armed with a rifle, pistol, and shotgun obtained legally, opened fire on students during a service at the church. Two children, aged eight and 10, lost their lives in the attack. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, in a news conference, called for bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, emphasizing the need to prevent shooters from firing multiple rounds without reloading.
The shooter discharged 116 rifle rounds into the church, as disclosed by the police. Chief Brian O’Hara revealed that the assailant had no criminal record or mental health commitments, allowing the purchase of firearms. State and federal authorities highlighted the shooter’s fixation on U.S. mass shootings and a desire for infamy.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Representative Ilhan Omar shared her disbelief at practicing active shooter drills in the U.S. after surviving war in Somalia as a child. The incident marked the 286th mass shooting in the U.S. this year by August 27, as per the Gun Violence Archive.
The shooting left 15 children and three elderly parishioners injured, with one child in critical condition and 11 others hospitalized. The community demanded action over mere thoughts and prayers, emphasizing the urgency for tangible measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
