Family's painful recovery after 6-year-old survives mass shooting sparks call for change
Brittany Haeg and her family continue to heal after her 6-year-old son, David, was injured in a mass shooting on 27 August 2025. The road to recovery has been long, with ongoing medical care and emotional support playing a key role. Now, the family is speaking out, urging Minnesota lawmakers to take action on gun violence.
David, who attends Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis with his two siblings, still carries shrapnel in his body from the attack. His mother, Brittany Haeg, has set 26 August as a personal milestone for his recovery. She describes hope not as a fleeting emotion but as a conscious choice—one that keeps the family moving forward.
For Haeg, healing has come through listening and meaningful conversations. Calista Wery of NAMI Minnesota echoes this, stressing that safety must come first before any real recovery can begin. The organisation provides mental health support tailored to victims of gun violence, helping families like the Haegs navigate trauma. Now, Haeg and NAMI are pushing for change. Together, they are calling on the Minnesota House to pass a comprehensive gun violence bill. Their goal is to prevent others from enduring the same pain. Support remains available for those in crisis, with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline reachable by calling or texting 988.
The Haeg family’s journey highlights both the physical and emotional toll of gun violence. With David still undergoing treatment and the family advocating for stricter laws, their story underscores the need for both personal resilience and systemic change. The push for legislation continues as they work toward healing and prevention.
