Rep. Omar Statement on One Year Anniversary of the Annunciation Catholic School Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS – Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement to commemorate the one year anniversary of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in her district.

"Today, our community gathers to remember Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, honor the survivors, and stand with every child, family, educator, parishioner, and first responder whose life was forever changed by the tragedy at Annunciation one year ago.

"Fletcher and Harper were targeted while doing something so innocent: sitting in prayer at the first all-school Mass of the school year. As a mother, I cannot imagine the heartbreak their families have endured. As a Minneapolis resident and your representative, my heart remains utterly shattered. I refuse to accept that this is the reality our children must grow up in.

"Annunciation Church has been a fixture of our Southside community for more than 100 years. My district office is just 10 minutes away, and members of my staff have deep ties to this church. They have celebrated weddings, baptisms, and first communions there. This tragedy struck not only a school and a parish, but a community that we hold close to our hearts.

"At the heart of today is a simple belief: one meaningful way we can remember is by showing up for others and moving our feet. Through acts of service and generosity, we can carry forward the love, courage, and care that have surrounded the Annunciation community over the past year. But remembrance must also be coupled with action.

"Gun violence is the number one killer of children and teens. Our leaders at every level of government have an obligation to confront this crisis and keep our children safe. As a legislator, I continue to be ashamed by the lack of political will to act, even after Columbine, Parkland, Uvalde, and far too many other tragedies. We must do whatever is within our power to protect our kids. 

"It should not be controversial to pass commonsense lifesaving measures, including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Our elected leaders should care more about the safety of our children than protecting access to weapons of war.

"We owe it to Fletcher and Harper, to the survivors, and to every single child who deserves to feel safe at school and in a house of worship to do everything in our power to prevent this from ever happening again."

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