Dozens of school desks now stand in front of the Minnesota State Capitol, symbolizing the heartbreak of gun violence that has claimed the lives of over 200 children in the state since 2021. Among these desks are two that hold the personal belongings of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, both victims of a mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in August 2023. This tragic event left 28 others injured and has galvanized parents into action.
The display is organized by the Annunciation Light Alliance, a nonpartisan group formed by parents seeking to prevent further tragedies. They borrowed the desks from Annunciation on Monday and plan to return them late Thursday. The parents aim to raise awareness as the legislative session begins, highlighting the impact of the shooting on their community.
Shortly after the shooting, which saw 116 bullets fired in under two minutes, Annunciation parents started sharing political information via WhatsApp and held their first in-person meeting at a local recreation center. Their grassroots efforts have since grown into a coalition of approximately 160 members.
Co-chair Brittany Haeg emphasized the dual struggle of wanting to advocate for change while coping with their new reality. Her son, David, a first grader, survived after suffering multiple injuries, including gunshot wounds to his head and abdomen. “This is what six months look like. It is not a clean recovery. It is not closure,” Haeg remarked, sharing the ongoing challenges of her son’s medical care.
The formation of this parent coalition comes during a time when Minnesota has seen other significant tragedies related to firearms, including the assassination of state Representative Melissa Hortman and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife in June. Following the Annunciation shooting, Gov. Tim Walz called for special sessions to enact stricter firearm regulations. While he faced legislative hurdles, he issued executive orders aimed at reducing gun violence, including the establishment of a statewide safety council.
The current legislative session has seen a renewed focus on gun violence prevention, largely influenced by the voices of Annunciation parents. They joined Gov. Walz at a press conference on February 13, 2024, where he unveiled a package of 15 proposals targeting gun violence. “I made pledges to these people. I sat in their houses with them as there was an empty chair for their little ones,” Walz stated, underscoring his commitment to addressing their concerns.
Support has come from various advocacy groups, including Moms Demand Action and Protect Minnesota, which have united with the Annunciation parents to amplify their message. Executive Director Maggi Emery of Protect Minnesota noted the unprecedented coalition of advocates forming in response to gun violence in the state. “We have seen quite a broad coalition this year,” she said, reflecting on the heightened urgency following recent tragedies.
Despite this momentum, advocates recognize the challenges posed by political partisanship in addressing gun legislation. Discussions often split along party lines, complicating efforts for collaboration. Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, noted that the election year could further impede progress, as candidates may prioritize campaigning over legislative cooperation.
On the other side, state Republican leaders assert that discussions on gun violence should proceed within established committee structures. Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Forks, emphasized the need for comprehensive dialogue to understand varying viewpoints.
As the Annunciation Light Alliance works to bridge these divides, they are focused on creating spaces for sharing experiences and fostering open conversations. Co-leader Kristen Neville stated their intent: “We’re not here to fight, but we’re here to win,” emphasizing their commitment to a nonpartisan approach.
The coalition also includes mental health providers, who joined forces in October 2023, amassing support from around 1,200 professionals calling for legislative change. At a “Healers Demand Action” rally, therapist Kayla Hughes criticized the notion of gun violence as merely a mental health issue. “This is a gun problem,” Hughes asserted, advocating for effective measures to protect communities.
Parents like Brock Safe, whose daughters were present during the shooting, share profound concerns about the lasting effects of such violence. His fifth grader, Astoria, is now diagnosed with severe PTSD after sustaining injuries during the shooting. “What our children and teachers endured is truly unimaginable,” Safe lamented. “We have the solemn responsibility and the moral obligation to fight for children across America.”
As Minnesota continues to mourn the losses and grapple with the aftermath of gun violence, the Annunciation Light Alliance stands poised to advocate for change. Their efforts reflect a broader movement, one fueled by personal stories and a shared commitment to ensuring that no other family experiences such profound loss.
