A shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school during a church service has left two children dead and 17 others wounded. That horrific shooting was on the third day of that school year. It outraged the local community and helped catalyze the Black Lives Matter movement across the country.
A 23-year-old resident of the Minneapolis area named Robin Westman cut loose. Tragically, to little 8-year-old Faye and her 10-year-old brother, they were too late. Lutheran Service of Holy Communion, hosted by Bishop Christopher Edmonston. As we approached, we realized how many families had come out to celebrate a new academic year. Local hospitals described treating 14 children and two adults, with at least half of the victims presenting with critical gunshot wounds.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the attack was “absolutely incomprehensible.” He vocalized his shock at the violence that broke out in a place that was supposed to be safe. Authorities found that a minimum of two chapel doors had been blocked from the outside with wooden planks. This immediately led to speculation over the shooter’s motives.
In direct response to this tragedy, Barack Obama ordered the flags at the White House to half-mast in memory of the victims. President Donald Trump ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff nationwide as a sign of mourning for the lives lost in this heartbreaking event.
The horrible shooting incident has spurred outrage and shock from leaders around the country and the world. Pope Leo XIV was profoundly grieved by the calamity. He voiced his heartfelt sympathies to all who are impacted, especially the families who have lost their children. To help address this crisis, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey last month called community leaders to act decisively against the epidemic of gun violence. He underscored the importance of going beyond “thoughts and prayers.”
As yet, federal authorities have not indicated that this incident is anything less than serious. They said it doesn’t appear to be linked to three other shootings logged in Minneapolis in the last 24 hours. This begs the question of whether there is a larger, more pernicious pattern of violence in the region, leading us to investigate the incidents more deeply.
As the community continues to process this incredibly tragic loss, several are still seeking answers. The Vatican has extended its condolences to those impacted by this shocking event, emphasizing the need for support during this difficult time.
