 Dear Neighbors, No one should have to experience the heartbreaking tragedy that happened at Annunciation Catholic School and Church. My heart goes out to the families who lost their precious children, those who were injured, as well as the other students, parents, teachers, and community members who must now carry the trauma following yet another incident of senseless gun violence. That this shooting occurred during the first week of school – a time that should be full of excitement, joy, new friends, and hope for the future – makes it particularly heartbreaking. We have to acknowledge the fact that gun violence is a uniquely American problem. Every life lost is one too many, and we must never allow ourselves to become numb to these tragedies or accept them as a normal part of reality. While we’ve made progress in recent years to make our communities safer through criminal background checks, red flag laws, and other actions, there is clearly more to do. In the coming weeks and months, we will have renewed conversations about how to recommit ourselves to building a safer future for everyone. We will keep listening to our neighbors – with the voices of survivors at the center – about how to address the causes of this violence, including easy access to types of weapons designed to inflict mass harm. Simply put, we cannot accept a status quo where gun violence is normal. On the day of the tragedy, Principal Matt DeBoer welcomed prayers for the families and parishioners of Annunciation. He also reminded us of a proverb - “When you pray, move your feet”. We need to move our feet and take action. All Minnesotans should feel safe in our public spaces whether it be a school, place of worship, place of business, a movie theater, or a local park.  There are resources available for members of our community: - This incident also highlights the importance of giving blood if you’re able. Information is available from Memorial Blood Centers and the American Red Cross.
- 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 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.
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. We continue to hold space for the victims, their families, and everyone whose lives were shattered by these events and keep them close to our hearts. Even as we grieve, we must move forward with a commitment to taking action. Our children, families, and communities deserve to be free from violence, and we will continue to listen, learn, and work together to keep our communities safe. Be well,  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |