News Summary
A mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children and injured 21 others. This incident follows the advocacy tour of Manuel and Patricia Oliver, who are promoting their one-man show ‘Guac’ to raise awareness around gun violence. The shooting has reignited discussions on the urgent need for gun reform in the United States.
Minneapolis: Mass Shooting Occurs Two Days After Family Begins Advocacy Tour
In Minneapolis, a tragic mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation took place, resulting in the deaths of two young children, aged 8 and 10, and injuring 21 others. This incident occurred just two days after Manuel and Patricia Oliver embarked on a six-day journey from Florida to Los Angeles to promote Manuel’s one-man show titled “Guac.” The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, utilized an AR-15-style rifle during the attack, which has drawn renewed attention to the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States.
Impact on Gun Violence Discussions
The shooting in Minneapolis marks a grim statistic as it represents the 44th school shooting of 2023 alone. Since the death of their son, Joaquin “Guac” Oliver in the 2018 Parkland shooting, over 400 school shootings have occurred across the nation. The Olivers are dedicated to raising awareness about this urgent issue, hoping to inspire action through art and creative activism.
About ‘Guac’
Manuel’s one-man show, “Guac,” recounts the profound experiences of the Olivers after losing their son. Co-written by Manuel and James Clements and directed by Michael Cotey, the performance aims to convey the emotional weight of gun violence without leaning into overt political narratives or despair. Manuel performs acts within the show that symbolize the violence, using hammer strikes to represent the sound of bullets.
Advocacy Efforts and Community Response
The Olivers have sought to address the gun violence crisis by founding the organization Change the Ref in 2018. This initiative focuses on empowering youth through education and urban art, equipping them to drive change regarding gun laws. The couple has been traveling across the country in a bright orange school bus adorned with slogans such as “Save Lives” and “Stop Gun Violence,” aiming to spread their message of reform and awareness.
In the wake of the recent Minneapolis shooting, community leaders and advocacy groups are pushing for stricter gun control measures. Reports indicate that the shooter had legally obtained firearms, prompting calls for legislation to prevent similar tragedies in the future. During a visit to meet with families affected by this incident, lawmakers emphasized the significance of addressing the root causes of mass shootings through united community discussions and initiatives.
Controversy and Mixed Reactions
While the Olivers have received considerable support for their advocacy, they have also faced backlash, particularly regarding their decision to utilize artificial intelligence to simulate conversations with their deceased son, Joaquin, in interviews about gun violence. This approach has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of such methods in raising awareness of tragic events.
As the Olivers prepare for the premiere of “Guac” at Culver City’s Kirk Douglas Theatre on October 14, they remain committed to utilizing their personal story to inspire positive change. The couple emphasizes that thoughts and prayers have proven ineffective in preventing gun violence, and they aim to lay bare the harsh realities faced by families due to gun-related incidents.
The Bigger Picture
The Minneapolis shooting reflects a broader trend of gun violence in the United States, serving as both a painful reminder and a rallying point for those advocating for reform. Recognizing that community investment in violence prevention and addressing the underlying issues are crucial, advocates are urging further action to combat this serious crisis. The Olivers’ story and their forthcoming show not only center around their personal loss but also illuminate the vital need for change in gun legislation and community efforts to prevent violence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Citigroup Ends Seven-Year Firearm Policy
Additional Resources
- AM 1100 The Flag
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- NBC News
- Google Search: Minneapolis Shooting September 2023
- CNN
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Shooting
- Sahan Journal
- Google News: Gun Violence Advocacy
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
