Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Democratic leaders in Minnesota have renewed calls for stricter gun control measures following a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The incident, which saw a 23-year-old shooter open fire through a stained-glass window as children prayed, resulted in the deaths of two children, aged 8 and 10, and injured 14 students between the ages of six and 15, along with three adults. While law enforcement confirmed the shooter legally purchased the rifle, shotgun, and pistol used in the attack, Republican leaders in Congress have indicated no immediate plans to pursue new gun legislation upon their return from recess.
Calls for Action
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the urgent need for action beyond “thoughts and prayers,” stating that children should be able to attend school or church without fear of violence. He argued that such basic assurances should be afforded to every family nationwide, regardless of their location.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz echoed Frey’s sentiments, urging for “thoughts for action” and a collaborative approach to prevent similar tragedies. Rep. Ilhan Omar accused elected leaders of prioritizing the gun lobby over child safety, while Sen. Amy Klobuchar questioned what more would be needed to prompt legislative movement if a shooting of praying children was insufficient.
Details of the Attack and Legislative Hurdles
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the shooter, a 23-year-old individual, legally acquired the weapons used in the incident. The tragic event unfolded as students were celebrating their first week of school with worship, profoundly impacting the school community.
Sen. Klobuchar acknowledged the need for broader political support to strengthen background checks and address assault weapons. She referenced the 2022 attempt by the then-Democrat-controlled House to ban assault-style weapons, a bill that ultimately failed to overcome a Republican filibuster in the Senate. Klobuchar urged colleagues to overcome their reluctance and pursue solutions that have proven effective elsewhere.
Broader Context of Violence in Minnesota
The church and school shooting occurred amidst a summer marked by other significant acts of violence in Minnesota. Two months prior, former state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated at their home, and State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were targeted in a separate shooting that same night but survived. These events sent shockwaves through the state’s political community, with Gov. Walz reflecting on their ongoing impact.
The Hortman family issued a statement following the school shooting, describing it as a “senseless act of violence” and calling for elected officials to implement “common-sense measures” regarding access to high-powered weapons. They emphasized that children should be safe in schools, communities in worship, and families in their homes.
Impact on DNC Meeting
The shooting dramatically impacted the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting, which was being held in Minneapolis. DNC chair Ken Martin announced the tragedy during the meeting, urging anyone with medical training to assist if possible, and subsequently cut short the closing session. Martin expressed heartbreak over the ongoing violence, calling it “a tragic day for our city, and a tragic day for Minnesotans, on the heels of a tragic year.”
The Minneapolis school and church shooting has reignited calls from Minnesota’s Democratic leadership for immediate legislative action on gun control, set against a backdrop of recent violence in the state. Despite strong pleas for “common-sense measures” and enhanced background checks, the path forward for new federal gun legislation appears challenging, with congressional Republicans showing little indication of changing course.
