A tragic school shooting in Minneapolis has once again raised concerns about the effectiveness of gun-free zones. The shooter deliberately chose a school due to its unarmed status, which is a disturbing trend seen in many similar attacks.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN (3-minute read) — A devastating mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has revealed a chilling truth: the attacker specifically chose the school because it was a gun-free zone.

In his manifesto, the killer made his intentions clear. He referenced infamous shooters that we won’t be naming here, admitting he targeted the school knowing no one would be armed to stop him. “I would probably aim the same way… That’s why I and many others like schools so much,” he wrote.

Despite this candid admission, mainstream media outlets omitted this fact from their coverage. Instead, they speculated that the shooter’s motive stemmed from his mother’s prior employment at the parish. But the shooter’s own words leave little room for interpretation. He picked a defenseless target on purpose.

Why Gun-Free Zones Keep Failing

While lawmakers push red-flag laws and universal background checks, this shooter still legally obtained three firearms in a state with both regulations already in place. Minnesota also prohibits firearms in schools, with harsh penalties. But for someone planning a suicide mission, prison time is irrelevant.

What these laws do achieve, however, is ensuring that law-abiding citizens, like teachers, staff, or parents, remain unarmed in critical moments. The result? Mass shooters face no resistance. Data shows that 92% of mass public shootings happen in places where civilians are prohibited from carrying firearms.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. The 2022 Buffalo shooter said he picked his target based on carry laws. The Nashville Covenant School shooter avoided a better-secured site. These killers calculate where they can inflict maximum damage.

The Case for Armed School Staff

Opponents often suggest adding more uniformed officers to schools. But as Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman explains, visible officers become obvious first targets. A better approach, he argues, is armed, concealed-carry staff members. They blend in and can respond immediately.

Over 20 states and thousands of schools already allow trained educators to carry firearms. According to available records, there have been zero deaths or injuries from mishandled firearms in these schools. That’s a safety record most would envy.

Millions of Americans carry concealed handguns daily in grocery stores, malls, and churches. Extending that protection to our schools could save lives. Rep. Thomas Massie’s Safe Students Act aims to repeal the 1990 Gun-Free School Zones Act, hoping to give schools the choice to defend themselves.

If we truly want to protect our children, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: Gun-free zones don’t stop killers. They invite them.

Safety Tip: If you choose to carry a concealed firearm, ensure you’re properly trained, understand your state’s laws, and practice regularly. Awareness and preparedness can save lives.