Actress Mia Farrow Blames Republicans Moments After Deadly Minnesota Mass Shooting

Tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis

A devastating mass shooting unfolded at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, leaving two children dead and at least 17 others wounded. Authorities confirmed that seven children remain in critical condition following the attack, which has rattled communities across Minnesota and sparked urgent calls for change in the nation’s ongoing debate over gun violence.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara identified the alleged gunman as Robin Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Officials said Westman had been known previously as Robert before beginning to identify as a woman in 2020. A video circulating online purportedly linked to Westman showed disturbing images, including the phrase “Kill Donald Trump” inscribed on a firearm and anti-Christian messages. Law enforcement said they are working with the FBI to verify the origin of the footage and confirm whether it belonged to the suspect.

Authorities reported that parents, teachers, and students were gathered for afternoon classes and religious instruction when the attacker entered the school armed with a high-powered rifle. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as teachers rushed children into classrooms and barricaded doors while others helped the wounded. Emergency responders transported victims to Hennepin County Medical Center and Children’s Minnesota.

Mia Farrow Calls Out Republicans and the NRA

Hollywood actress and activist Mia Farrow quickly took to social media in the aftermath of the tragedy, directly accusing Republicans and the National Rifle Association of enabling a culture of violence.

“Today children gunned down,” Farrow wrote. “Two dead children, seven in critical condition. High velocity gun. 14 children and three adults injured.” She went on to argue that rational gun laws are being blocked by political leaders benefitting from what she described as “millions in bribes” from gun makers and the NRA.

Her remarks drew immediate attention, with supporters praising her outspokenness while critics accused her of politicizing a tragedy before the facts were fully established.

Political Leaders Respond

Elected officials across the country reacted swiftly to the shooting. Senator Chuck Schumer issued a written statement declaring, “We must do more to stop gun violence in America,” echoing growing frustration with the nation’s cycle of shootings and political inaction.

Minnesota’s senior senator, Amy Klobuchar, emphasized that the nation requires a federal ban on assault-style weapons, arguing that localized gun control laws are insufficient in the face of nationwide firearm trafficking. “We need better laws on the books nationally,” Klobuchar said. “It just can’t be in local states. It’s got to be nationally on these assault weapons.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivered an impassioned address during an evening press conference. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying,” Frey said, calling on policy leaders at every level of government to move beyond symbolic gestures toward substantive reform.

Presidential Proclamation of Mourning

Former President Donald Trump, who is again seeking political office in 2025, issued a formal proclamation to honor the victims. The directive ordered flags on all federal buildings, military posts, and U.S. naval vessels to be flown at half-staff until sunset on August 31, 2025. White House officials said the action was meant as “a mark of solemn respect” for the victims and their families.

The proclamation extends national recognition of a tragedy that has not only struck Minneapolis but has also sent shockwaves across the United States, where school shootings remain a recurring tragedy.

A History of Tragedy in Minnesota

Minnesota has experienced gun violence before, including the 2005 Red Lake Reservation school shooting, in which 10 people—including the gunman—were killed. In subsequent years, incidents in Duluth and suburban Minneapolis reinforced the ongoing threat of mass violence even in communities known for their quiet, small-town character. The August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic School is now one of the deadliest school attacks in Minnesota’s history.

Gun-related violence has surged across the Midwest over the past decade, with the region experiencing increases in both urban shootings and mass casualty incidents in suburban and rural areas. According to state health officials, firearm-related deaths in Minnesota rose nearly 30 percent between 2013 and 2023, mirroring national trends that show alarming increases in both suicides and homicides involving guns.

Comparing Gun Laws Across the Midwest

Minnesota currently has among the stricter firearm policies in the Upper Midwest, requiring background checks for most private sales and imposing waiting periods for handguns. Still, advocates note that neighboring states such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin maintain far looser restrictions, creating porous borders for the movement of firearms.

Illinois, by contrast, enforces more robust constraints, including firearm owner ID requirements and red flag laws, but still suffers from high rates of gun violence—often fueled by weapons trafficked from neighboring states with fewer restrictions. Experts say this patchwork system highlights the challenges Klobuchar and others referenced in calling for a national framework on assault weapons.

Policymakers in Minnesota had previously debated measures to further strengthen gun safety regulations, but many proposals stalled amid partisan divides in the state legislature. Advocates argue that Wednesday’s tragedy may shift public momentum toward passing stronger laws.

Economic and Social Impact of Mass Shootings

Mass shootings have profound consequences beyond the immediate loss of life. Local economies experience disruptions as schools, businesses, and public spaces close temporarily in the wake of tragedies, and long-term trauma costs mount in medical bills and mental health services.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has estimated that gun violence costs the economy hundreds of billions annually—including direct medical expenses and indirect losses such as reduced worker productivity. In Minnesota, community organizations have repeatedly pointed out the burden placed on hospitals, first responders, and mental health services each time a mass casualty event occurs.

For families in Minneapolis, the latest incident compounds an already heightened sense of unease as parents worry about sending their children to school. Students and teachers who witnessed the attack are expected to receive long-term counseling, with local nonprofits pledging resources to provide trauma-informed care.

Community Grief and Calls for Change

On Wednesday night, hundreds of residents gathered for a candlelight vigil outside Annunciation Catholic School, where prayers, hymns, and cries for action echoed into the evening. Faith leaders urged solidarity, while parents wept openly, holding photographs of the victims. Sign after sign called for an end to senseless gun violence, with one parent describing the day as “the moment every family fears.”

As the community mourns, renewed debate over national gun control legislation is intensifying. Experts caution that while high-profile events draw urgent attention, meaningful change typically faces long and difficult political battles. Still, the statewide and national outpouring of grief, combined with high-profile advocacy from figures such as Mia Farrow, may prove to be a galvanizing moment.

Looking Ahead

The investigation into the shooter’s motives continues, with the FBI assisting Minneapolis police in tracing the firearm, reviewing the online video, and examining any connections to extremist movements. Authorities have not released specific details regarding the purchase of the weapon but confirmed it was a high-capacity assault-style firearm.

For Minnesota, the August 27 attack stands as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of schools and places of worship, even in communities that pride themselves on safety and cohesion. For the nation, it reignites questions over how long political leaders can delay comprehensive reform in the face of repeated tragedy.

As flowers pile up outside Annunciation Catholic School and families prepare to bury two children whose lives were cut violently short, the search for answers continues. Minneapolis, once again, finds itself at the center of America’s long and painful struggle with gun violence.