I was heartbroken and outraged when I heard about the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. School shootings are far too common, as every parent in America knows too well, and gun violence is a national public health crisis.  Our focus at this time should be on caring for the victims and their families, rather than the shooter who does not deserve notoriety for their abhorrent crime. 

1. Secure firearms: Preventing individuals in crisis from access to weapons is the first line of defense against these tragedies.
2. Situation awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings and report anything suspicious. Encourage children to do the same. 
3. Safety protocols: Make sure your school or organization has a behavioral threat assessment protocol, and they follow it. These plans better prepare schools to prevent violent incidents before they happen and better protect students during an emergency. 

- Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald