For Immediate Release: August 30, 2025
President Julie Kent, Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) president@flnow.org
Orlando, FL – In the wake of the horrific August 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis—where two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and at least 17 others injured, most of them children. FL NOW is calling for immediate, comprehensive gun control legislation at both the state and federal levels.
According to Minneapolis police, the shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the church windows during a morning Mass marking the first week of school. All three firearms were purchased legally and recently. The attack is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
“When weapons of war can be bought legally and used days later to slaughter children in a place of worship, our laws are broken beyond repair,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We demand action that will save lives.”
Our Demands:
- Universal Background Checks – Close loopholes that allow private sales and gun show purchases without screening.
- Assault Weapons & High-Capacity Magazine Ban – Prohibit civilian purchase and possession of military-style firearms and accessories designed for mass killing.
- Mandatory Waiting Periods – Implement a minimum waiting period of one week between purchase and possession to prevent impulsive acts of violence.
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders – Expand and enforce “red flag” laws to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
- National Gun Sale Tracking – Create a centralized system to track firearm sales and prevent trafficking.
A National Crisis Demands a National Response
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It is part of a relentless pattern of mass shootings that devastate schools, houses of worship, workplaces, and public spaces across the country. In the last 24 hours before the Minneapolis attack, the city saw at least three other fatal shootings.
“Every delay in passing real gun reform is a choice to accept more dead children, more grieving families, and more shattered communities,” said Debbie Deland, Vice President of FL NOW. “We refuse to accept that. We refuse to accept that in America we are subject to a callous and cruel gun lobby. Our mass shooting crisis is unacceptable and an example of a country mired in gun violence due to lack of strong gun reform. Shame on Congress and the State Legislatures for no action.”
Call to Action
We urge Congress, the State Legislature, and the White House to act now. The lives of our children, our neighbors, and our communities depend on it.
FL National Organization for Women will join state partners in coordinated actions, vigils, and lobbying efforts in the coming weeks. We call on all who believe in the right to live free from gun violence to stand with us.
