• Facebook
• Twitter
• Flipboard
• Comments
• Print
• Email

Ilhan Omar calls for 'getting rid of assault weapons' in the wake of Minneapolis church shooting

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., called for "getting rid of assault weapons" on CNN on Sunday following a deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday where she called for "getting rid of assault weapons" in the wake of a fatal shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.

"It is important for us to make sure that we are offering a slew of solutions," Omar told CNN anchor Brianna Keilar. "One is to make sure that we are getting rid of assault weapons in our community."

She also emphasized the need for Congress to address mental health resources, noting it must be part of broader efforts following the tragedy.

MINNESOTA GOV. TIM WALZ SAYS IT'S TIME TO 'TAKE SERIOUS ACTION' AFTER DEADLY SCHOOL SHOOTING

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., called for "getting rid of assault weapons" on Sunday following a deadly school shooting in Minneapolis last week. (Screenshot/CNN)

Federal authorities confirmed the suspected shooter, Robin Westman—also known as Robert Westman—killed two schoolchildren and injured 18 others during a Catholic Mass at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday morning. Westman is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

When asked on CNN by Brianna Keilar whether it is realistic that Congress could pass an assault weapons ban—pointing out that such efforts failed even under President Barack Obama with a filibuster‑proof Senate majority—Omar responded that this moment should transcend partisan divides and focus instead on protecting children.

Omar shared that her youngest child now fears an assailant entering her school, "taking her life or the life of her friends and classmates."

TOP REPUBLICAN POINTS FINGER AT WALZ'S TRANS AGENDA AFTER CATHOLIC SCHOOL SHOOTING

Image 1 of 3 next
Susan Saly, right, and Meagan Pierlouissi place flowers at a memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church after Wednesday's school shooting, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Image 2 of 3 prev next
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sits on the steps of the Annunciation Church's school as police respond to a reported mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
Image 3 of 3 prev