Survivor of Minneapolis Workplace Shooting Calls for Universal Background Checks

The one person who was injured but not killed in Richfield native Andrew Engeldinger's 2012 shooting rampage at Accent Signage in Minneapolis spoke out Thursday, calling for background checks on anyone who wants to buy a gun.

John Souter spoke at a press conference and rally at Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka, joined by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Chaska Police Chief Scott Knight, one of more than 100 gatherings of gun-control advocates nationwide.

Several local news outlets carried reports on the event:

Finance & Commerce:

“I’m not the same person, that’s for sure. I don’t laugh the way I used to,” Souter said during the event. ... “Why? Why? This isn’t America,” Souter said, choking back tears.

Fox 9:

"People are making this about the Second Amendment. It's not," he argued. "It's about doing the right thing to curb this kind of violence. ... Five of my friends and colleagues died that afternoon, and then a sixth died three weeks later at HCMC. Why?" he asked.

KSTP-TV:

"It visits me every night. I was shot twice one through the lung, the same bullet crushed my ribs. I now have gaps in two ribs floating around, a lot of scar tissue, and the pain is still with me," said Souter.

Minnesota Public Radio:

Souter said it does not make sense to him that on a Sunday afternoon, a person can buy a semi-automatic rifle at a gun show without a background check.

"Yet, that same Sunday afternoon you could not go to your local supermarket and buy a bottle of wine," Souter said. "Are we serious?"

Related:

• Man Responsible For Minneapolis Workplace Shooting Was Richfield Native
• 6th Victim of Minneapolis Workplace Shooting Dies
• UPDATED: The Victims Of The Minneapolis Workplace Shooting
• Andrew Engeldinger Had 1997 Arrest On Record
• Police Release Detailed Timeline for Minneapolis Workplace Shooting

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