Dear Neighbors,
I continue to mourn alongside the rest of our community following the tragedy that occurred at Annunciation Catholic School. I grieve for the students whose lives were lost in the attack, 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. Nobody should have to face this fear in their day-to-day lives, whether at school, a place of worship, or anywhere in our neighborhoods. 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.
Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is strong. Together, we will continue to stand for a safer future.
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.
The Governor has just announced that he’s calling a special session to consider gun safety legislation. I am eager and ready to support legislation that reduces gun violence. I have long advocated for more sensible gun laws in this country, and I hope we can make a difference soon. To achieve this, however, we must secure commitment from colleagues across the aisle. Only by working together can we accomplish the goals of this special session and take meaningful steps to prevent further tragedies.
Resources
There are resources available for members of our community:
- 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 Memorial Blood Centers and 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.
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.
Back To School
As we send our kids back to school, many of us are searching for reassurance or hopeful words. But the truth is, so much of what I could say would feel hollow. Things aren’t OK. This isn’t OK. We should not have to comfort one another after tragedy upon tragedy. Our country is broken in the way it continues to value guns over the lives of our children. At the DFL, we have fought hard to confront this sickness, and we will not stop until it ends. In the meantime, please hold your children close — and know that I sincerely hope they have a safe and joyful school year. My best wishes go out to students, parents, teachers, ESPs, principals, superintendents, administrators, nurses, social workers, secretaries, janitors, bus drivers, and every education employee. Wishing you all a safe, successful, and fulfilling year ahead.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions or comments on our work, now is a great time to touch base! Please feel free to contact my office at (651) 296-4257 or rep.mohamud.noor@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mohamud
Noor
State Representative
District 60B