A family's long road to healing after a child survives mass shooting shrapnel

On 27 August 2025, a mass shooting left six-year-old David Haeg injured with shrapnel still lodged in his body. His mother, Brittany Haeg, now describes healing as something that existed before that day—on 26 August, the last moment before their lives changed. For her family, moving forward means redefining hope as an active choice.

The Haeg family’s journey began when David was caught in the crossfire of the August shooting. Though he survived, fragments of metal remain in his body, a constant reminder of the trauma. Brittany has found comfort not in quick fixes, but in those who simply listen—people who offer support without trying to solve what cannot be undone.

Calista Wery of NAMI Minnesota stresses that safety must come first before healing can truly begin. The organisation provides mental health resources for gun violence survivors, helping them navigate recovery at their own pace. Meanwhile, Brittany and NAMI are pushing for change, urging the Minnesota House to pass a comprehensive gun violence bill. For those struggling with emotional distress, help is available. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers support by calling or texting 988, a resource for anyone in need. Brittany’s three children, including David, attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Despite the pain, she continues to advocate for others, turning personal loss into a call for action.

The road ahead for the Haeg family remains long, with physical and emotional scars still present. Yet through advocacy and community, they are finding ways to rebuild. Their story highlights both the lasting impact of gun violence and the resources available to those affected.