Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried reacted to Wednesday's shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, which has left at least two children dead and 17 people injured.
Florida Democrats, with developments still ongoing, quickly pointed to the nation's pattern of gun violence as the reason for the tragedy, which occurred during an early morning mass marking the first week of school.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn alongside the Minneapolis community after yet another horrific act of gun violence, this time against children during what should have been a joyful first week of school," Fried said in a release. "No parent should ever fear for their child’s safety in a classroom."
According to multiple reports, the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire through the windows around 8:30 a.m. local time. Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at a press conference.
Local Minneapolis news outlet KARE 11 has also reported that the shooter grew up in a nearby suburb and that Robin's mother was employed at the Annunciation School. In addition, Kare 11 detailed that Westman changed her birth name from Robert to Robin in Dakota County, just southeast of Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke on the tragedy afterward, calling it an "unspeakable act."
"Children are dead. Their families that have a deceased child. You cannot put into words the gravity, the tragedy, or the absolute pain of this situation," Frey said. "We are a Minneapolis family, but to everybody out there, do not think of these as just somebody else's kids. Those families are suffering immense pain right now."
Responding to Frey's words, Florida Democrats also mentioned that thoughts and prayers were not enough to end gun violence, and said they would "remain committed to fighting for stronger gun safety laws."
"Our kids deserve to learn, grow, and dream in safe schools and safe communities," they noted.
