A mother's fight for healing and gun reform after her son survived a shooting

Brittany Haeg’s life changed forever on 27 August 2025, when her six-year-old son David was injured in a mass shooting. Now, she speaks openly about healing—not as forgetting, but as reaching a point where the trauma no longer dominates her days. Alongside NAMI Minnesota, she is pushing for stronger gun laws in the state.

The shooting left David with shrapnel wounds that still require regular medical appointments. His mother, Brittany Haeg, describes the long road to recovery, both physical and emotional. For her, healing means no longer being consumed by the events of that day.

NAMI Minnesota, a mental health organisation, has supported Haeg and other victims of gun violence. Calista Wery, a representative from NAMI, stresses that safety must come first before true healing can begin. The group offers free support and education through over 600 local branches nationwide. Haeg and NAMI Minnesota are now advocating for the Minnesota House to pass a comprehensive gun violence bill. They also direct those in crisis to resources like the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and the NAMI Helpline (800-950-6264 or text 'HelpLine' to 62640). Haeg’s three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The shooting has reshaped her family’s life, but she remains determined to turn pain into action.

The push for stricter gun laws continues as Haeg and NAMI Minnesota urge lawmakers to act. Meanwhile, support networks remain available for those affected by gun violence. Free help is just a call or text away for anyone struggling with trauma or crisis.