Dear Neighbors,
I join the rest of our community in grieving after yesterday’s tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School. I’m heartbroken for the families of those children whose lives were senselessly taken, and for all the students, parents, teachers, and neighbors now facing the trauma of another unthinkable act of gun violence.
Enough is enough. No one should have to live in fear at school, in places of worship, or anywhere in their community. We cannot accept a world where senseless gun violence is treated as normal or expected. Our schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods must be safe and free from the type of tragedy our community experienced yesterday.
Gun violence is a uniquely American crisis. As we continue to experience these attacks all too frequently, we cannot grow numb to them or accept this horror as a normal part of our lives. Solutions like expanded criminal background checks and red flag laws have helped, but more must be done. In the coming weeks, we will keep listening to survivors and neighbors to determine how we can confront the root causes of gun violence. And yes, that discussion has to acknowledge the incredibly easy access to weapons of war that have no place in our neighborhoods.
For now, there are some resources I’d like to share that may be helpful as we continue to reel from this tragedy.
- 211 United Way offers free, confidential information about mental and physical health care and other emergency services. Call 2-1-1 any time, or visit findhelp.org.
- Mental Health Minnesota provides anonymous, confidential peer support, and the Minnesota Warmline is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 651-288-0400, or you can text “Support” to 85511.
- For immediate crisis support, the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7/365. Call 9-8-8, text 9-8-8, or click here to access an online chat feature to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Everytown Survivor Network: Text “SURVIVOR” to 644-33 to join a nationwide network of gun violence survivors. The Survivor Network offers peer support, trauma-informed programs, advocacy opportunities, and resources to help survivors heal and make their voices heard.
- Information and resources for talking to children about gun violence are available here for parents and for educators.
- This incident also highlights the importance of giving blood if you’re able. Information is available from the American Red Cross.
When there are warning signs of a threat, it’s important to take them seriously; intervention can prevent tragedy. Most mass shooters share their plans in advance, especially young people and those planning shootings in schools. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has a “See It Say It Send It” app available to report tips anonymously, including threats to schools or places of worship. You can also call the BCA’s tipline at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn?.us.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), also known as “red flag laws,” are an effective way to prevent tragedy. Under an ERPO, a petition can be filed to temporarily restrict access to firearms for someone who may pose a threat to themselves or others. More information on this process is available here.
Let’s keep the victims, their families, and everyone whose lives were upended by yesterday’s tragedy close to our hearts. However, even as we grieve, we can’t ignore the need for us to take action. The current status quo isn’t acceptable. Our children, families, and communities deserve to be safe, and as elected officials, we have a responsibility to make meaningful change. For my part, I will keep listening and learning in partnership with my legislative colleagues, neighbors, and – most importantly – survivors, so we can deliver that change.
Sincerely,
Sydney Jordan
State Representative