1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

We call on our elected officials to enact comprehensive gun‑control legislation that will protect our children and communities. On August 27 2025, a horrific mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in south Minneapolis claimed the lives of two innocent children (ages 8 and 10) and left 17 others injured, 14 of them children. The shooter used an AR‑15 rifle, a Mossberg 590 shotgun, a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 mm handgun, and a Colt .38‑Special revolver, all legally purchased Don’t send us more Republican thoughts and prayers and platitudes. Put your thoughts into law. Your prayers protect no one—these children were literally shot WHILE praying. And Republicans’ reckless and fetishistic protection of destructive weapons is literally killing our children. ENOUGH. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for the following actions: Ban assault‑style rifles and high‑capacity magazines (e.g., AR‑15s, 30‑round magazines). Require universal background checks for every firearm purchase, including private sales and transfers. Implement mandatory safe‑storage laws to keep guns out of reach of unauthorized users. Fund and expand community‑based violence‑prevention programs in schools and faith‑based institutions. Close loopholes that allow individuals to obtain weapons without proper vetting, such as “ghost gun” kits and online sales. These measures are proven to reduce gun deaths and are supported by a majority of Americans. The loss of two children and the trauma inflicted on dozens of families in Minneapolis cannot be ignored or dismissed as “isolated.” We demand that Minnesota be the catalyst to passing these commonsense reforms without delay. Stand with the victims, their families, and all Minnesotans who deserve safety and peace. Take action to protect our children and end the cycle of gun violence.