The Violence Prevention Project Research Center (VPPRC) is proud to announce the inaugural Minnesota Gun Violence Research Summit, scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2024, at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. This significant event, which is open to the public, aims to tackle one of the most urgent public health challenges our nation is currently facing.
In response to the rising concerns over gun violence across Minnesota and beyond, the Summit’s purpose is to catalyze meaningful dialogue and action through rigorous, data-driven research and evidence-based strategies. Spearheaded by renowned researchers Dr. Jillian Peterson and Dr. James Densley, authors of The Violence Project, this summit underscores a non-partisan, collaborative effort to comprehensively confront gun violence. A virtual attendance option is available, ensuring broader participation for those unable to attend in person.
"Years ago, we realized that true progress requires a unified, multi-faceted approach—one that integrates research, policy, and community action," said Dr. Peterson. "This summit serves as a crucial platform to amplify evidence-based strategies that can save lives and strengthen our communities."
The summit, which will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Hamline’s Anderson Center, will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, including:
- Nicole Hockley – Co-Founder, Sandy Hook Promise; Mother of Dylan, who was lost in the Sandy Hook school shooting
- Tommy McBrayer – Gun Violence Survivor & Founder, "Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops"
- Bryan Muehlberger – Founder, The GracieStrong Foundation; Father of Gracie, who was lost in the Saugus school shooting
- Angela Davis – Host of MPR News
- David Riedman – Founder and Director of the K-12 School Shooting Database
- Shannon Hill – Violence Prevention Specialist, Saint Paul Public Schools
- Rudy Perez – President of the National Association of School Resource Officers
- Andrew Evans - Superintendent, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- David Pyrooz - Professor of Sociology, University of Colorado Boulder
- Brooke Blakey - Director, Office of Neighborhood Safety
- Rob Doar – Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus
- Alicia Nichols – Domestic Violence Expert, Onboard Consulting, PLLC
- Megan Walsh – Director of the Gun Violence Prevention Law Clinic, University of Minnesota Law School
- Stefan Gingerich – Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health
- Jordan Haltaufderheid – Chief of Staff, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
- Rep. Kelly Moller – Minnesota State Representative
- Derek Lumbard - Director of Trauma Research, Hennepin Healthcare
- Justin Terrell - Executive Director, Minnesota Justice Research Center
- Lisa Geller - Director, National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support in making this event possible: Partner Forces, Children's Hospitals MN, Blackbird Revolt, Kaleidoscope Counseling, and Thomas & Katherine Kottke. Their commitment to addressing gun violence is instrumental in driving our mission forward, and we encourage others to consider sponsorship opportunities to join this vital effort.
The Minnesota Gun Violence Research Summit invites stakeholders from academia, government, law enforcement, healthcare, and community organizations to actively participate in shaping the future of gun violence prevention. For registration and additional information, please visit the VPPRC's website.
About the Violence Prevention Project Research Center:
The Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University is dedicated to advancing research and evidence-based solutions to prevent violence in all its forms. Co-directed by Dr. Jillian Peterson and Dr. James Densley, VPPRC conducts interdisciplinary research that is data-driven and non-partisan, providing expertise to inform policies and practices that promote safety and well-being in communities nationwide.
