Six months after school shooting, Annunciation parents testify for bills against gun violence

Описание: Six months ago, on August 27, 2025, a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis killed two children and left 28 others injured.

Earlier this week on Feb. 24, survivors and some family members watched as the House Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary voted 10-10 on a pair of bills that would ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The tied result stalled the bills and frustrated supporters, who committed to continuing their push for tougher gun restrictions this session.

Members of the Annunciation community said they’re resolved to keep pushing until something changes. But that could be a steep climb in the narrowly split Minnesota Legislature where Democrats have a single-seat Senate majority and the House is evenly divided.

Republicans argue the bans are unworkable and said they could potentially violate Minnesotans’ constitutional right to bear arms. Ultimately, they all voted against the bills.

Earlier in the day, dozens of Annunciation families filled the rotunda for a sing-in. There were some tears, but big smiles and hugs, too. And they read out lawmakers' names between each song, saying they held them up in hope.

Story by Dana Ferguson with reporting from Feven Gerezgiher and Peter Cox
Video captured by Nicole Ki
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland