The mother of Vivian St. Clair, a third grader who survived last week’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis, shared her thoughts Thursday at a news conference. Kimbrell is also a nurse and clinical care supervisor at HCMC’s newborn intensive care unit.
She called on legislators to enact gun reform, specifically to ban semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
Vivian suffered two gunshot wounds to the back and one in her arm. The 9-year-old has some bullet fragments in her body that will remain for the rest of her life, according to her GoFundMe page.
Two children died and 21 people were injured on Aug. 27 when a shooter with multiple weapons started shooting at students and adults attending Mass. Students tried to shield others and took cover under pews as bullets, shrapnel and glass flew around them.
The children killed were identified as Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10.
“To our lawmakers and people in power, who the hell is going to do something? Who is going to make meaningful change and take tangible steps to break the cycle this moment,” Kimbrell said, reading from a statement.
“Do we need improved mental health support in our schools and communities? Yes. Please fund the hell out of that. Do we need improved measures on background checks and identifying potential risks? Absolutely make it happen,” she said. “There are many ways we can do better for our kids.”
Kimbrell said all options are on the table, adding “doing nothing is not an option.”
“I will settle for nothing less than immediate ban on semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines,” Kimbrell said.
Kimbrell acknowledged the medical teams at HCMC, first responders, law enforcement and others.
“That is the embodiment of the saying ‘there is no such thing as other people’s children,’” she said. “The neighbors and friends and family and coworkers and strangers who have shown a remarkable amount of love and support for our community. We are forever grateful.”
