In a strong appeal for legislative reform on gun violence, Mayors of the Twin Cities and neighboring suburbs congregated at the Minnesota State Capitol with Moms Demand Action, imploring state lawmakers to take decisive action. Leading the charge were Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and several other mayors, unified in the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation. They pushed for a state-level ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines or alternatively, the lifting of state preemption laws that currently hamper cities from enacting their own gun measures.
The urgency of their demand is rooted in last week’s school shooting and the broader issue of community safety. "After the Annunciation shooting, we saw incredible bravery — from first responders, school staff and students themselves," Frey said in a statement, "They stepped up, and their actions saved kids' lives. Now it’s time for elected leaders to step up. If federal and state lawmakers won’t act, then give us the tools to do it ourselves. Let Minneapolis ban weapons of war from our streets." Carter added, the ongoing crisis is constrained by policies that allow such firearms, urging lawmakers to take action as the schoolchildren had during the emergency.
In the wake of Governor Tim Walz’s request for a special legislative session, the mayors’ plea underscores the gap between local government capabilities and the broader legislative framework. Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse extended the concern beyond city limits, noting, "This isn’t a big city problem. This is a Minnesota problem." Joined by mayors from Hopkins, Columbia Heights, Stillwater, Richfield, Minnetonka, and Vadnais Heights, the collective voice represented a cross-section of communities demanding the power to address gun violence directly.
Backing the elected officials’ stance, Moms Demand Action advocated for local autonomy on gun reform, emphasizing the imperative need to act swiftly to protect communities. Kathleen Anderson, the Minnesota chapter leader for Moms Demand Action, stressed the deadly potential of such weapons, "These guns are designed to kill as quickly as possible, leaving children, adults, and law enforcement no chance to escape. We cannot wait. Every day without action is another day where a weapon of war is carried into another classroom."
For those looking to support the victims of the shooting, officials have pointed towards monetary donations as the most effective assistance. The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund, established by the Catholic Community Foundation and supported by the Minneapolis Foundation, is actively seeking contributions that can be made via text.
