by Minneapolis, MN – The chilling mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis left a community shattered and deeply wounded. Among the victims was 6-year-old David Haeg, who survived but emerged from the tragedy profoundly changed. His mother, Brittany Haeg, has vividly described the heart-wrenching ordeal her young son endured and is urging for stronger gun control legislation to prevent future violence.
On a quiet morning disrupted by gunfire, a 23-year-old assailant opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows, tragically killing two children and injuring 21 others, including David. The attack has left a lasting emotional and physical impact on the young survivor and his family.
A Child’s Trauma: The Aftermath of Violence
David suffered severe injuries during the shooting: a gunshot wound to his abdomen that tore his spleen, two graze wounds to the back of his head, and shrapnel embedded in his arm and leg. Despite these painful injuries, David’s spirit remains bright, though his mother details a significant shift in his behavior and emotional state since the event.
Brittany paints a picture of David before and after the shooting:
- Formerly a bright and bubbly first grader who loved art and playing outdoors.
- Now battles “very big feelings” such as sadness, clinginess, and anger that he struggles to understand or express.
- Shows signs of trauma, including withdrawal and emotional distress during hospital visits from teachers.
- Has begun walking unassisted but tires more quickly than usual.
“He gets upset, sad, clingy … and also just mad. For someone so little to experience something and to not be able to fully understand or explain what happened — all those feelings come out in lots of ways,” Brittany Haeg shared with NBC News.
The care team at Hennepin County Medical Center provided guidance for Brittany and her family, advising them to be honest, validate David’s feelings, and reassure him that “the bad guy is gone and can’t hurt you anymore.”
Family and Community Call for Action on Gun Control
Amidst the community’s grief, Brittany Haeg has made a heartfelt appeal for change beyond Minnesota’s borders. While she acknowledges existing state laws, she stresses the need for comprehensive national reforms to truly address the epidemic of gun violence.
“Minnesota has a fair number of laws related to gun control and regulation, and it’s good that states are doing that work, but without national change, there are limits to what an individual state can do to solve this problem,” Brittany said.
Other affected families echo Brittany’s calls. Malia Kimbrell, mother of Vivian St. Clair, a third grader shot multiple times during the attack, demands immediate legislative action, including banning semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
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“Any and all options are on the table, but doing nothing is not an option,” Kimbrell stated firmly while speaking at Hennepin Healthcare, where she also serves as a nurse and clinical care supervisor.
“I will invite you to come to my living room and insist that you hold Vivian’s hand while we do her dressing changes each night, and she cries the entire time, and you can look her in the eye while you cleanse her bullet wounds, and you can tell her to her face why you are opposed to keeping her safe.”
Voices from the Heart: A Child’s Perspective on Guns
In response to the tragedy, Annunciation Catholic Church encouraged families and students to write letters to elected officials expressing their hopes for the future. Brittany transcribed David’s simple, yet powerful message:
“He said that people shouldn’t buy guns, and I think we should get rid of them, because guns are mean and they’re harmful.”
David’s innocent words underscore a collective desire for safety and peace, resonating deeply with communities nationwide.
Looking Toward Healing and Change
Brittany Haeg remains focused on supporting her family’s recovery, taking each day as it comes. While the path to normalcy is expected to be long, she envisions a future where such tragedies are prevented through decisive legislative action and community resilience.
- David continues physical recovery with gradual improvement in mobility.
- Emotional healing remains complex as the family confronts trauma.
- Community advocates push for meaningful gun reform policies to safeguard children and families.
For more in-depth coverage and updates, visit the full report on NBC News.
What do you think about this family’s experience and their calls for change? Have you or someone you know been affected by gun violence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
