Community members from Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis gathered for a singing rally at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 10, 2026, to advocate for stronger gun safety legislation. This event coincided with ongoing legislative discussions, during which parents expressed frustration over the slow progress of proposed bills aimed at banning military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines.
Parents Demand Action Following Tragic Shooting
The rally came in the wake of a tragic shooting on August 27, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to 30 others. Parents of the victims, including Jackie Flavin, who lost her 10-year-old daughter Harper Moyski, articulated their fears and frustrations during testimony before House committees earlier in the week. Flavin highlighted the ongoing trauma faced by families, stating, “We don’t sleep all the way through the night anymore” because of the constant threat posed by firearms.
Another parent, Cally Proctor, urged lawmakers to prioritize the safety of children over political agendas, emphasizing that “when something terrifying happens, a child is not thinking about whether he attends a public school or a religious school.” This sentiment resonated strongly among attendees, who fear their children’s safety in school environments.
Governor Walz Joins Rally, Community Stays Hopeful
On the morning of the rally, Governor Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz participated in the event, joining parents and students in singing powerful songs like “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and “Purple Rain” by Prince. Many attendees wore school uniforms and sweatshirts to show their solidarity. The governor’s presence underscored the community’s desire for legislative change.
Despite the trauma endured, the community remains optimistic. Matt DeBoer, the school principal, previously encouraged prayers for healing but also called for action, referencing an African proverb: “When you pray, move your feet.” The funds raised from merchandise, such as custom sweatshirts, are directed toward supporting students and teachers in recovery.
Parents voiced their discontent over the failure to advance gun control bills out of committee, expressing their frustration with lawmakers who seem unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue. Lisa Luthi, a parent and substitute teacher, noted, “For people to just keep voting against these gun reform bills — OK, well, then where are your bills to fund our schools?”
Supporters of the rally, including Alec Torigian, traveled from as far as Indiana to stand in solidarity with the Annunciation community. He reflected on the need for lawmakers to lead with compassion, stating, “We remain hopeful that the people whose names were read today will step up and lead with care and love.”
Participants emphasized that while limiting firearm access alone will not solve all issues related to gun violence, it is a critical part of the broader conversation. Mike Moyski, Harper’s father, highlighted the importance of addressing gun-related policies, stating, “We need to continue having conversations about these human issues and how specific guns and ammunition impact people.”
As the legislative session advances, the Annunciation community remains committed to advocating for change. Lisa Shepherd, a member of the Annunciation Light Alliance, expressed determination, saying, “We have a motivated group of individuals who are not going to be going away anytime soon.” The call for comprehensive solutions to gun violence continues to resonate as parents and advocates push for legislative action.
