By Rowenn Jaeger

On August 27, a tragedy struck the nation in Minneapolis when a gunman opened fire during a morning mass at Annunciation Catholic School, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Witnesses said the students were praying when the shots rang out. The attack shocked not only Minneapolis, but schools and communities across the country.

Just two weeks later, another tragedy unfolded in Evergreen, Colorado. On September 10, a student opened fire at Evergreen High School, killing himself and injuring two classmates. One remains in critical condition. The shooting began inside the school and spilled outside before deputies arrived within minutes.

In the aftermath, leaders and community members have spoken out about what comes next. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed the pain that many feel about repeating the same cycle of grief without change.  

“And don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” Mayor Frey said in a press conference. “These kids were literally praying.” 

His words not only highlight growing frustration but the added sadness that comes with going back to school in America. For years, school shootings have been met with condolences and vigils, but often there is no lasting action to prevent the next tragedy. The rapid succession of Minneapolis and Evergreen has deepened that frustration. For many students and teachers, the message is clear: school shootings are not rare, isolated incidents but a recurring reality.

“We know the solutions,” former vice president Kamala Harris posted on X.  “Our leaders must have the courage to act to stop these tragedies.”

Experts and officials have suggested several steps including:  tighter gun safety laws, including background checks and limits on assault-style weapons, better mental health resources in schools and communities, improved safety training for students, staff, and first responders, and early intervention systems to recognize and respond to warning signs before violence happens.

But the core message remains: prayers alone are not enough. Although, faith and mourning are important for the healing process of grief, real change requires action. For many, the fact that children died while praying has become a heartbreaking symbol of why the country cannot stay stuck in the same debate year after year. 

As students, this tragedy feels especially close. Schools are supposed to be safe places to learn, grow, and build community. What happened in Minneapolis is a reminder that safety is not guaranteed, but our voices matter in pushing for change.  

We cannot stay silent. We can honor the lives lost by demanding action—writing to lawmakers, participating in walkouts, organizing discussions at school, and using journalism, art, and social media to amplify our voices. We need our voices to be heard. Change will not come overnight, but if we continue to speak up, stay informed, and stand together, we can help shape a future where schools are places of safety, not fear.