Minneapolis Mourns After Annunciation School Shooting, Leaders Call for Reform
After the Aug. 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic School that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others, Minneapolis leaders are calling for a holistic response. Community advocates stress the need for emotional health resources, youth mentorship, and legislative reforms such as banning assault weapons. Vigils and counseling services are underway as the city grapples with trauma and demands action.
In the wake of a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, Minneapolis is confronting a dual crisis: the immediate tragedy of lost lives and the broader challenges of mental health and gun violence in the community.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 18 others injured when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during a school Mass, discharging over 100 rounds from legally purchased semi-automatic firearms. The shooter died by suicide at the scene.
Community leaders are urging a holistic response that addresses trauma, emotional well-being, and policy reform.
Sammuel Simmons Jr., a behavioral health consultant, emphasized the importance of emotional health in preventing violence. “Don’t say ‘mental health,’ say ‘emotional health,’” he advised, “because if you don’t manage your emotions, that can look very much like what we describe today as mental illness… But the root is being able to manage one’s emotional state.”
When Simmons Jr. was asked about the current talk about gun reform, he said: “I don’t believe we’ll get rid of guns entirely, but do we need automatic assault rifles, no.” he paused. “Why is it that it is easier for our young people to access guns than it is a scholarship or holistic health resources? This imbalance of resources is leading to poor outcomes where respect for access to gun use is mismanaged.”
Simmons Jr. advocates teaching respect and safety around firearms, pointing out that responsible gun owners rarely engage in violence. “People who have a lot of guns, but respect their justified use, don’t shoot each other,” he added.
Tommy McBrayer Jr., founder of Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops, brings a youth-centered perspective. A survivor of gun violence, McBrayer Jr. combines basketball with mentorship, providing underserved youth a safe space to process trauma and develop social-emotional skills.
“Basketball is a social, emotional sport,” he explained. “You get to let out energy and stress. Linking it to the reduction of gun violence allows kids to see a different path, to forget trauma even for a little while, and to feel joy and achievement.”
McBrayer Jr.’s program incorporates conversations with survivors of gun violence, offering relatable role models who demonstrate that coping and healing are possible. He also challenges the misconception that gun violence is an “inner city” or “Black problem.”
“It’s a people problem,” he said. “Suicide and other forms of violence affect everyone, yet the media narrative often stigmatizes Black youth. We need to address this together.”
Policy leaders are echoing calls for comprehensive action. Senator Bobby Joe Champion stressed the dual importance of mental health support and gun reform. “In the African American community and beyond, we need to destigmatize mental health and ensure people feel comfortable seeking help,” Champion said.
“At the same time, banning assault weapons is crucial. Both things are important.” Champion emphasized that incidents cannot be attributed solely to mental health issues; safe communities, resources for youth, and access to counseling must also be part of the solution.
Mayor Jacob Frey has been vocal about banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. At a recent press conference following the shooting, he said, “We need a statewide and a federal ban on assault weapons. There is no reason that someone should be able to reel off 30 shots before they even have to reload.” He also expressed a willingness for Minneapolis to enact its own measures if higher levels of government fail to act.
The community’s response has been immediate and collaborative. Vigils and memorials honored the victims, while organizations like McBrayer Jr. ‘s and local mental health providers offer counseling and safe spaces for dialogue. The tragedy has prompted renewed conversations about the mental health impact of gun violence, particularly for youth who are disproportionately affected by trauma and stress.
As Minneapolis mourns, the collective call is clear: Preventing gun violence requires addressing emotional and mental health, fostering community engagement, providing youth mentorship, and pursuing targeted legislative reforms. Leaders say that only through holistic, people-centered strategies can future tragedies be prevented and communities begin to heal.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com