Minneapolis students stage walkout from schools near Annunciation to protest gun violence

Minneapolis students staged a walkout on Friday, joining a nationwide movement to protest gun violence following the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting. Participants from Justice Page Middle School and Washburn High School gathered in Lynnhurst Park, brandishing signs with messages like “School is supposed to be safe. ” Activist Timberlyn Mazeikis, who survived a shooting at Michigan State University, emphasized the need for a ban on assault weapons, stating, “We know that this is preventable. ” Students chanted slogans, including “Murder is illegal! ” as they rallied for change.

Eighth grader Wren Jagdfeld shared her concerns about returning to school after the shooting, highlighting the fear students face. The protest underscores a growing movement among youth to demand safer educational environments. Organizers aim to push for state and federal legislation addressing gun violence. As schools grapple with the impact of such tragedies, the call for action continues to resonate among students and advocates alike.