This week's deadly attack on Annunciation Catholic Church and School has revived a long-simmering debate over how to prevent mass shootings, especially those targeting schools.

The big picture: Shootings like the one that shocked South Minneapolis and the world Wednesday have become a sadly common fixture in American society.

• Since 2000, at least 117 people nationwide have been killed in school shootings that involved two or more deaths and at least two additional injuries, per the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University.

Driving the news: Local, state and federal leaders are already calling for changes, ranging from an assault weapons ban to armed security in schools to more mental health support and "behavioral health assessments" aimed at identifying potential shooters sooner.

• Gov. Tim Walz announced yesterday that he'll deploy 20 state public safety officials to support Minneapolis schools and places of worship ahead of next week's start of the school year.

What we're hearing: No "one policy solution" will likely solve the problem entirely, Violence Prevention Project executive director Jillian Peterson told Axios.

• But her center's research findings that most mass shooters follow a "pretty consistent pathway" and virtually always show warning signs before an attack suggest that many could be prevented.

Zoom in: Peterson's recommendations range from policies that "slow down access" to guns, especially for people in crisis, to anonymous reporting systems that can summon help for people exhibiting threatening behavior.

• Minimizing the attention on the shooter and their message post-attack could also help deter copycats.

Between the lines: Avenues for reporting behavioral and safety concerns are crucial, she noted, because shooters often show signs of emotional distress and "leak" their plans to a person or online community.

• The attackers, who tend to be white men, are typically current or former students of the targeted site who have a fascination with other mass shooters.
• The 23-year-old Annunciation assailant, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, appears to check almost all of those boxes, she noted.

The bottom line: For Peterson, suicide prevention — and support for mental health struggles and social isolation more broadly — has to be a part of the solution.

• "If you don't want to die, you're not going to do this," she said.

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A group of local, state and federal DFL lawmakers pledged Thursday to push to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Why it matters: Hamline's researchers found that assault-style weapons were used in nearly half of all mass shootings between 2020 and 2024.

• The Annunciation shooter was carrying three firearms, including a semiautomatic rifle, at the time of the attack, authorities say.

What they're saying: "The monsters who commit these horrific crimes and acts keep using the same tools," DFL state Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, whose district includes Annunciation, said at a news conference yesterday.

The other side: The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus vowed to fight any approved ban at the Capitol and in court and said lawmakers should focus on increasing mental health support and school safety "instead of wasting time on unconstitutional distractions."

Reality check: While Minnesota Democrats used their majority to enact a "red flag" law and expanded background checks in 2023, some other gun restrictions proposed in recent years drew opposition from both Republicans and moderate Democrats.

• DFL leaders said yesterday they plan to revive the bills next year, even if the political dynamics at the narrowly divided Legislature don't favor passage.

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The families of the two children killed in the shooting issued their first statements on the tragedy yesterday.

"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be able to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming. Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. ... Please remember Fletcher for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today."

"Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her. Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper's sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain."

Zoom in: Harper's parents also urged leaders to "take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country."

• "Change is possible, and it is necessary," they said.

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Twin Cities Bike Tour at Wabun Picnic Area in Minnehaha Falls Park on Sept 14: Ride with BikeMN on scenic routes through the Twin Cities. Starts at Wabun Park with food stops, T-shirts, and fun. Long route caps at 950. Helmets required. Rain or shine. Register by Aug. 22. $0-$53.

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The city of Minneapolis and local organizations are establishing community resources for those affected by the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting.

📱 Text ACF1 to 41444 to donate to the Annunciation Response Fund, established by the city and the Minneapolis Foundation. It will work with the Annunciation community to equitably distribute money to those affected.

• Donated goods will also be accepted at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church through 7 tonight. Any extra items will go to local community organizations.

✝️ The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota has also launched a donation page, with the money partially disbursed as large grants for Annunciation Church.

❤️‍🩹 Two GoFundMe fundraisers for a 12-year-old and 13-year-old victim have been established by their families and verified by GoFundMe, the platform confirmed.

• Be smart: The site has a centralized hub for its verified fundraisers.

More ways to give back — and get support yourself

This young mourner was among those who stopped to sign memorial crosses honoring the shooting victims at a vigil at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield Wednesday night.

• Star Tribune columnist Laura Yuen gathered tips for parents and caregivers on discussing the tragedy with children of all ages.