Minneapolis, Minnesota – In south Minneapolis, Caitlin Angelica’s vibrant two-story home serves as a memorial to her late partner, August Golden, a 35-year-old musician. The aftermath of the Nudieland mass shooting from eight months ago still lingers, as Angelica navigates the grief of losing Golden in the tragic incident that also left six others injured.
Memories of Golden are woven throughout Angelica’s home – his favorite records line the shelves, and Polaroids of him light up a tribute near her bed. Despite the passage of time, Angelica continues to grapple with the reality of Golden’s absence, reflecting on the shared dreams of a future that will never come to pass.
The sense of loss and mourning that enveloped Angelica in the wake of the shooting drew a community of support around her. Friends and strangers alike came together, offering meals, music, and companionship to help her navigate the profound loss of Golden and the lingering trauma of the attack on a familiar sanctuary. As the punk and queer communities in Minneapolis rallied in solidarity, a palpable sense of fear lingered, heightened by the knowledge that the perpetrators were still at large.
Recently, Hennepin County officials announced the arrest of two teenagers in connection to the shooting – Dominic Burris, now 18, and an unidentified minor. Despite the arrests, Angelica finds little solace in the news, grappling with complex emotions about the course of justice and the systemic roots of violence that led to the tragic events at Nudieland.
For Angelica, music has been a vital outlet for processing her grief. Connected by a shared love of punk and other genres, Golden influenced Angelica’s own musical journey. In his memory, she has composed songs, released a tape, and embarked on a tour – keeping his spirit alive through their shared passion for music.
The arrest of the two teens has stirred mixed emotions within the punk community, raising questions about the efficacy of incarceration as a response to violence and the deeper societal issues at play. While some seek closure through legal proceedings, others question the transformative potential of punitive measures in addressing the underlying causes of such tragedies.
In the midst of personal loss and communal mourning, Angelica remains steadfast in honoring Golden’s legacy through her music and presence in the community. As she navigates the complexities of grief, justice, and remembrance, she finds solace in the bonds of community that sustain her through the darkest of times.