‘We have failed our children’: Virginia advocates react to mass shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school

RICHMOND, Va. — Flags across Virginia are flying at half-staff in honor of those affected by a Minneapolis mass shooting.

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, a shooter opened fire during morning mass at Annunciation Catholic School. Police say two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others were injured.

Authorities identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

It's prompting gun violence advocates here in Central Virginia to speak out, like Lori Haas, advocacy manager at Johns Hopkins’ Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

“We have morally and physically failed our children," Haas said. "It is unconscionable. And firearms are the number one killer of children in America."

Haas entered into advocacy work after her daughter was shot in the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre. Now, almost 20 years later, these types of shootings are still happening.

MORE: Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Gov. Youngkin respond to tragedy in Minneapolis

This one took place on these students' third day back to school.

“What are we doing? When we allow children, sitting in church [the] first week of school, to get shot?” Haas said.

Local mental health professionals warn that the impact of shootings like this can ripple into classrooms nationwide.

“What we see the most is a lot of physical symptoms that happen with kiddos," said therapist Anna McChesney. "Stomach aches, headaches and not wanting to go to school.”

She added that parents who want to explain to their kids what happened should start with open-ended questions,

“If they say that they’re scared, [parents can help by] just reiterating, ‘Yeah, this is scary,’" McChesney said. "If they’re asking what happened, giving them an age-appropriate response."

Flags in the Commonwealth are to remain half-staffed until Sunday, Aug. 31.