Hundreds of people gathered at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis on Monday to participate in a march focused on unity, community, and hope. The event followed a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church last Wednesday that resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 21 others.
Participants also used the occasion to call for stricter gun control measures. They urged state lawmakers to address gun legislation in a special session. Governor Tim Walz said Friday he was seeking support for such efforts, though any significant changes are expected to face challenges in the divided Legislature.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the crowd at the start of the march, repeating his earlier calls for a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. “What I see right now is not just a city that is united in grief, this is a city that is united in action,” Frey said. “If the states or the feds are either unwilling or unable to get it done, give us in Minneapolis the ability to do it ourselves,” he added.
The marchers planned a 2.5-mile walk ending at Lynhurst Park, where a candlelight vigil had been held Wednesday evening after the shooting. That event drew many people from the community to an area where local children often play.
In response to the tragedy, there has been widespread support for those affected by the shooting. A memorial has grown outside Annunciation Catholic Church, and neighbors have decorated street poles with ribbons in blue and green—the school’s colors. Donations have been made for the families of Fletcher Merkel, age 8, and Harper Moyski, age 10—both killed—as well as those injured and witnesses.
A group of seventh-grade students from Annunciation led much of Monday’s march. Nick, 12, expressed surprise at how many people turned out to support their school. His friend Harry said, “It’s really showing the message of hope.” Another student, John, 13, added: “And showing that we can come together.”
Sara Dornisch, who grew up locally and attended Catholic schools herself, carried a sign reading: “Spoiler alert! It’s the guns.” She commented that even conservative members of her faith community now support common-sense gun control.
