‘We must have action’: Oregon interfaith group calls for gun violence reduction after Minneapolis tragedy

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Interfaith spiritual leaders in Portland held a press conference Thursday to decry the tragedy in Minneapolis of a deadly shooting at a Catholic school on Wednesday and called for Oregon to refocus its gun violence reduction efforts.

Robin Westman, 23, was identified as the suspect who is believed to have taken his own life after he allegedly opened fire at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 18 others worshipping inside, according to the Associated Press.

Twenty bells rang out at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Northeast Portland, one for each of the shooter’s victims, as the Lift Every Voice Oregon press conference began with prayers for the victims.

Among the faith leaders’ calls to action is the immediate implementation of Measure 114, requiring people to undergo background checks and take safety courses to get gun permits, as soon as it clears the Oregon Supreme Court this November.

“We must have action. This Measure 114, which our community, our state passed into law — this powerful measure to help reduce gun violence in our state,” said Congregation Beth Israel Portland Senior Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana.

The interfaith group also wants more funding for violence reduction programs in the community and a ban on assault rifles.

“I’m saying to the City of Portland, to the State of Oregon, you only see a few here, but when are you going to get out? The charge is to you. Let’s do something,” said Pastor Robin Wisner.

Westman, a former student at Annunciation Catholic School, was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol — all of which he purchased legally — before firing more than 100 rounds through the windows at the side of the church just before 8:30 a.m., officials said. He was later found dead in the parking lot from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot.

Vancouver First Baptist Church Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee called for responsible gun owners to join their advocacy efforts.

“Join us because we’re not trying to stop you. We are saying, we know that there are better ways for us to deal with stuff like this. And it’s not just us praying. It’s not just us believing. It’s about you putting your voice with us to work together,” Hennessee said.

KOIN 6 News reached out to the Oregon Firearms Federation for comment on the shooting and their thoughts on the measure. In response, they said, “No one in the controlled media wants to acknowledge that it was clear years ago that the shooter was seriously mentally ill.”

The Archdiocese of Portland said its Catholic school officials are continuing to review and strengthen safety protocols and procedures. Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland also told KOIN 6 News he reached out to the Archbishop in Minneapolis to assure his prayers and solidarity are with that community.