ST. PAUL — Community members from Annunciation Catholic School gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol on Thursday to express their frustration over the slow progress of gun safety legislation. The rally, which featured singing and speeches, aimed to raise awareness about the need for reforms following a tragic shooting that took place on August 27, 2025, killing two students and injuring 30 others.
Parents of students from Annunciation testified before House committees earlier in the week, advocating for two specific bills: HF3433, which would ban military-style assault weapons, and HF3402, which seeks to prohibit large-capacity ammunition magazines. They called for bipartisan support, reflecting their collective anguish and desire for change.
Voices of Concern and Hope
Among those speaking out was Jackie Flavin, mother of 10-year-old Harper Moyski, one of the children killed in the shooting. Flavin shared the emotional toll the incident has taken on families, stating, “We don’t sleep all the way through the night anymore because we know we are sending our children into a world with weapons that could turn an ordinary morning into something unthinkable in seconds.”
Cally Proctor, another parent, urged lawmakers to prioritize the safety of children over political agendas, asserting that fear knows no boundaries between public and private educational institutions. “When something terrifying happens, a child is not thinking about whether or not he attends a public school or a religious school,” Proctor said. “It is not the job of the child to bear the burden of politics or adult decisions.”
On the same day, Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz joined the “Minnesota Sing Together” rally, showing solidarity with the Annunciation community. They participated in singing popular songs, including “Brave” by Sara Bareilles, while many attendees wore school uniforms and merchandise supporting the cause.
Frustration with Legislative Processes
Despite the emotional show of unity, participants expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the legislature. The proposed gun control bills have yet to advance out of committee, leaving many parents feeling unheard and frustrated. Lisa Luthi, a parent and substitute teacher, called for constructive dialogue, asking, “For people to just keep voting against these gun reform bills — OK, well, then where are your bills to fund our schools?”
She highlighted the need for a balanced approach to addressing both mental health issues and gun safety, stating, “Yes, it is mental health, and what are we doing about that?”
Alec Torigian, who traveled from Indiana to support the rally, echoed sentiments of hope despite the obstacles. He noted the importance of lawmakers hearing the voices of those affected by the tragedy, saying, “We remain hopeful that the people whose names were read today will step up and lead with care and love.”
The rally concluded with a powerful message from Mike Moyski, father of Harper Moyski, who emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of firearms in discussions about safety. “There are people that seem like they aren’t really willing to talk about what might work, instead focusing on why something won’t work,” he said. “We need to continue having conversations about these human issues and how specific guns and ammunition impact people.”
Despite expectations of resistance from lawmakers, Lisa Shepherd, a parent and member of the Annunciation Light Alliance, expressed determination for continued advocacy. “We have a motivated group of individuals who are not going to be going away anytime soon,” she said. “We are confident that there are solutions for change out there, and we want them.”
