In a place built for learning and prayer, silence now carries the weight of grief.
A recent shooting at a Catholic school has left students, staff, and family members with the pain of grief. They are continuing to search for strength and answers during this hard time.
On the morning of August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A mass shooting happened at Annunciation Catholic Church during school hours. While people and parents are grieving the loss of their children and those who were injured, they are relying on others and their faith to help them in this tough time. It has left the community and the world in shock and sadness. Parents across the country are raising questions about student safety and trying to find ways to stop such devastating events.
On an unexpected Wednesday, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at Annunciation Catholic School. The incident, which began around 8:30 am, sent students, teachers, and staff into a lockdown as police officers and first responders rushed to the scene. Police have identified the suspect, who opened fire outside of a church, killing two children and injuring 18 others. The shooter was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. He opened fire through church windows with 3 different guns. It resulted in 2 deaths of two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski. The shooter then died from a self-induced gunshot wound at the scene. The incident has been classified as a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism targeting the Catholic community. Officials have confirmed that the event has left the community shaking, searching for answers. “What happened today will not be gone. Minnesotans will not step away. We’ll stand with this community. We’ll redouble ourselves to do the best we can to understand what we can do to prevent any parents from having to receive the calls they received today,” said the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz.
A tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School has left deep scars on students, teachers, staff, and parents. Young classmates are grieving the loss of 2 innocent kids. Parents are shaken by fear and heartbreak, and are now facing unimaginable pain trying to figure out why something like this would happen. Teachers and staff are now having the heavy responsibility of guiding students through grief and loss. Families now are struggling to drop their kids off every day, with a new sense of fear. Beyond the school, the community is shaken by this absolutely devastating event. “This level of violence is unthinkable. Our deepest prayers are with the children, parents, families, educators, and Christians everywhere. We mourn with them, we pray for healing, and we will never forget them.” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Annunciation community has turned to faith and begun the long process of healing. Grief counselors have been brought into the school to support students and teachers, helping them process trauma in every way possible. Church leaders remind the community to stay strong and trust in their faith. Other Catholic schools and churches have sent messages of love and support, showing that Annunciation is not alone. At the same time, school officials and leaders are looking for ways to upgrade their safety changes to keep staff and students safe. Healing will take time, but the community has shown they are determined to stand together and not let this tragedy affect them. “But we also have to recognize that we are here as a critical resource for our community, and we have to take time to process the care that we deliver in these situations, and we have to be able to move forward because we are obviously needed,” said the Chair of Emergency Medicine, Tom Wyatt.
