Taking Action After the Annunciation Catholic School Tragedy: How You Can Help Prevent Gun Violence
Taking Action After the Tragic Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School
The heartbreaking shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis is a devastating reminder of the urgent need to create safer schools and communities across the country. This tragic event, which took place during a Mass marking the first week of classes, resulted in the deaths of two young children and left 17 others injured, including many minors and those still in critical condition. As a community, it is critical that we come together to support those affected and take meaningful steps to prevent future violence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey captured the heartbreaking reality of this tragedy when he said, "Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying." This shooting happened during a morning Mass, a sacred time and space where children should feel safe and protected. His words remind us that beyond prayers, urgent action is necessary to prevent senseless violence and protect our communities.
Gun violence in schools is a crisis that demands our immediate attention. It is essential that we engage our voices and efforts to foster policies and programs aimed at reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths.
How You Can Help
If you want to make a difference, taking a few minutes to engage with the links below can play a crucial role. You can sign petitions advocating for stronger gun safety laws, donate to organizations supporting survivors and victims, or contact your elected representatives to urge policy changes.
Sign Petitions & Support Gun Safety Measures:
Prevent School Shootings: Change.org Petition
No Guns in Schools: Everytown for Gun Safety
Brady United Petitions: Sign a Petition
Mass Shootings in Schools: Change.org Petition
Moms Demand Action: Website
Sandy Hook Promise: Website
Giffords: Website
Wear Orange: Website
Donate to Survivors and Victims:
Everytown Survivor Network: Donate
Sandy Hook Promise: Donate
Brady United: Donate
Moms Demand Action: Donate
Victims of Crime: Donate
Access Mental Health and Crisis Resources:
NAMI Help: Website
The Trevor Project: Website
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Disaster/Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Hennepin County Crisis Services: 612-348-2233
Contact Your Local Legislators:
Senator Amy Klobuchar: Contact
Senator Tina Smith: Contact
Representative Ilhan Omar: Contact
Find other elected officials: USA.gov
Contact Your Legislators — Copy, Paste, and Send
You can make a real difference by reaching out to your elected officials. Below is a ready-to-use message that you can copy and paste directly into emails or online contact forms. Feel free to personalize it with your name and location to show you’re a constituent.
Suggested Message:
Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],
I am a constituent from [Your City/State], and I am writing to ask for your support in enacting and enforcing evidence-based policies that reduce gun violence in our communities. Specifically, I urge you to:
Support common-sense gun laws, including universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and Extreme Risk Laws that temporarily remove firearms from individuals in crisis.
Increase funding and access to mental health care resources.
Prioritize actions that protect our children and families from preventable tragedies.
These measures have strong research backing and are critical to creating safer schools and neighborhoods. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the safety of all constituents.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address or City]
[Your Email or Phone (optional)]
Links to Contact Your Legislators:
Senator Amy Klobuchar: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/contact
Senator Tina Smith: https://www.smith.senate.gov/contact
Representative Ilhan Omar: https://omar.house.gov/contact
Find your other elected officials: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Taking a few minutes to send this message helps ensure your voice is heard and pressure builds for meaningful action.
Why Your Action Matters
The recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic School is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to act for safer schools and communities. This tragedy demands our collective response—not just in grief but through meaningful action.
We all want safe communities free from preventable tragedies. Research consistently shows that evidence-based solutions such as common-sense gun laws—including universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and Extreme Risk Laws that temporarily remove firearms from individuals in crisis—combined with accessible mental health care, save lives. Enacting and enforcing these measures is critical to reducing gun violence in our communities.
By signing petitions, donating to survivors and advocacy groups, supporting mental health resources, and contacting your legislators with the prepared message provided, you can help push for the evidence-based policies proven to save lives. Your voice is powerful, and your actions can make a difference.
Now is the time to stand together and demand change. Please take a few moments to engage with the links above, share this information with your family and friends, and help build safer communities for all children.