>>Minneapolis Mayor Calls for Ban on Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is calling for a statewide and federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. Frey says if broader legislative efforts fail, he’s open to pursuing city-level restrictions, even if they face legal challenges. Frey said, “We need coordination with the cities around the country to make sure that every person has this common foundation of safety where they can send their kid off to school and have the confidence that they will be safe.” In recent years, Minnesota lawmakers have taken steps to curb gun violence, passing measures like red flag laws and expanding background checks.
>>Hundreds Attend Interfaith Prayer Service for School Shooting Victims
(Minneapolis, MN) — Hundreds gathered at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis Thursday evening to honor the victims of the mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School. Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman of Temple Israel says,” we need to pray for strength to face this grief, to commit ourselves to a world where schools are sanctuary of safety and learning and imagination and hopes and dreams. Never the scenes of harrow.” Zimmerman said in their memories, we need go forward with strength and resolve. People from many different religions attended the interfaith prayer service in the historic Catholic church.
>>Families Identify Victims Killed in Annunciation School Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) — The families of two children killed in the shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis are releasing their identities. Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski lost their lives while attending the first all-school Mass of the year. Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, expressed his grief, saying, “a coward took my son’s life.” He asked people to,” 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. We love you, Fletcher. You will always be with us.” Harper’s parents described her as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved.” They emphasized their focus on healing while urging leaders to take meaningful action on gun violence and mental health, so Harper’s story doesn’t become another tragedy.
>>Benton County Man Convicted of Shooting at Five Police Officers
(Foley, MN) — A rural Princeton man is going to prison for shooting five officers during an October 2023 drug raid. A Benton County jury convicted 66-year-old Karl Holmberg on all charges, including seven counts of attempted first-degree murder and seven counts of assault of a police officer. Prosecutors say Holmberg fired a rifle through a door at six officers and five were hit. Ten firearms, ammunition, casings, and methamphetamine were recovered from his home. Attorney General Keith Ellison secured the conviction upon a referral from the Benton County Attorney’s Office.
>>Missing Hiker from Minnesota Found Dead in Wyoming
(Basin, WY) — Authorities in Wyoming report a missing hiker from Minnesota has been found dead. The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office says the body of 38-year-old Grant Gardner of Lakeville was located in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. A professional climbing team discovered Gardner’s backpack, and his remains were found Wednesday. Crews had been looking for Gardner since August 1st. The search was suspended last week. The sheriff says his body is being brought to his family in Minnesota.
>>MN Board of Animal Health Reacts to First Human Case of New World Screwworm
(St.Paul, MN) — A Maryland man who recently traveled to El Salvador is the first human case of New World screwworm in the U-S. State Veterinarian Doctor Brian Hoefs says northern states like Minnesota haven’t been concerned about this destructive parasite getting into our area through livestock importation. But he says we do see people traveling a lot to those areas, and of specific concern has been the uptick in pets that are traveling with their owners. The last human cases in the U-S were detected in the 1960s. Hoefs says there is also concern about the spread of New World screwworm in wildlife.
>>University of Minnesota Football Team Tops Buffalo in Season Opener
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota football team is celebrating a 23-10 victory over Buffalo in the season opener Thursday night at Huntington Bank Stadium. Gopher quarterback Drake Lindsey went 19-for-35 for 290 yards passing and threw two touchdowns and one interception in his first start. Lindsey sealed the win with a 60-yard T-D pass to Jalen Smith in the fourth quarter. Darius Taylor ran for 141 yards against the Bulls. Minnesota hosts Northwestern State on Saturday September 6th.
