 Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis continue to grieve following the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Church on August 27. Over the past week, the mayor has been on the ground with families, survivors, and community members—attending marches, vigils, and memorial events—showing support and solidarity.
In partnership with neighborhood groups and state and county partners, the City hosted a Neighborhood Community Support & Resource Center at Lynhurst Park from August 31 to September 2. More than 300 people came together to find healing through mental health support, spiritual care, victim services, and community connection. Although the center has now closed, ongoing support remains available—community members needing assistance can call 311 or visit the City’s website for resources.
 In response to this tragedy and ongoing gun violence affecting Minneapolis and the entire state, Mayor Frey has renewed his call for meaningful gun reform. Last week, Frey joined representatives from Everytown for Gun Safety and local elected officials in a call to action at City Hall.
Together, they called for immediate action to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, highlighting the urgent need to protect communities from gun violence. The event showcased a broad coalition of voices across various organizations united in demanding safer streets and neighborhoods.
You can watch the press conference online.
 On the first day of school for Minneapolis students, Mayor Frey stood alongside Moms Demand Action and mayors from across the Twin Cities at the State Capitol. The mayors called for urgent legislative action to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines— or, if the legislature cannot agree, to lift state preemption laws so cities can enact their own common-sense reforms.
Tuesday's event came on the heels of Governor Tim Walz’s call for a special session of the state legislature. The mayors made it clear that state-level gun reform is the absolute strongest way to make Minnesota safer for everyone – especially children like those victimized in last week’s deadly mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation.
But if state lawmakers can’t find agreement on meaningful gun reform, the mayors want the authority to pass their own common-sense reforms in their own cities, which currently is not available and would require a change in state law.
Mayor Frey stated, “If state lawmakers won’t act, then give us the tools to do it ourselves. We know our communities best — and we’re not willing to accept doing nothing.”
Mayor Frey emphasized the critical need to keep schools safe as students return to classrooms this week. In partnership with more than a dozen agencies—including State Patrol troopers, DNR officers, and law enforcement from St. Paul and Hennepin County—the City has deployed hundreds of extra patrol shifts amounting to thousands of additional hours of focused safety around schools and places of worship. These coordinated efforts ensure families feel protected and supported throughout Minneapolis.
“As our children return to classrooms and families gather in our neighborhoods, their safety must come first. That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with our partners to increase patrols and visibility around schools and places of worship. Every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their community is protected," said Mayor Frey.
Emergency response teams, mental health counselors, and victim support personnel continue to provide critical services. The City remains committed to ensuring families feel safe and supported, while enhancing long-term efforts to prevent gun violence.
The coordinated response from Minneapolis teams—including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency management, and communications—was immediate and effective. The City’s preparedness and crisis management, strengthened through ongoing training since 2020, ensured critical resources were deployed rapidly to protect lives.
Mental health and crisis counselors have been on-site and available throughout the community to support healing. Collaborative efforts with St. Paul, Hennepin County, and state partners have enhanced patrols and ensured comprehensive care for survivors and residents alike.
The City of Minneapolis is working hand-in-hand with the community to support those affected by the shooting. Here’s how you can make a difference:
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Donate to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund:
Text ACF1 to 41444 to contribute to the fund organized by the Catholic Community Foundation and supported by the Minneapolis Foundation. Your donations will help families directly impacted by the tragedy.
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Access Support and Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling, call 311 or visit the City’s website for mental health resources, victim assistance, and spiritual care.
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Report Information:
If you have information related to the shooting, please email policetips@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-5845. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online.
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Advocate for Change:
Reach out to your state representatives to support gun reform legislation that bans assault weapons and empowers cities to protect their communities.
Mayor Frey wants all Minneapolis residents to know that the city stands united in the face of this tragedy. He encourages anyone affected to reach out for support—resources are available through 311 and community partners.
The mayor remains committed to working every day to build a safer, stronger Minneapolis for all residents. Together, we will continue to wrap our arms around those impacted, offering support, care, and compassion.
Celebrate love, faith, and Greek culture at the 37th Annual Taste of Greece Festival, hosted by St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. This year’s festival supports the Annunciation Hope & Healing Fund and St. Mary’s parish ministries. Plus, join the food drive for Joyce Uptown Food Shelf—bring 3 non-perishable, unexpired food items and receive a free non-alcoholic beverage. On Friday, there will also be a Memorial Blood Centers blood drive.
Savor authentic gyros, baklava, and Greek brews while enjoying live music, traditional dancing, church tours, cooking demonstrations, and more—all embracing philoxenia, the Greek spirit of “love of strangers” and warm hospitality.
Festival hours:
Friday: 2–9 p.m.
Saturday: 12–9 p.m.
Sunday: 12–5 p.m.
Admission is free.
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