URGENT UPDATE: A tragic mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has left two children dead and 17 others injured as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. The shooting occurred on August 27, 2023, during a Mass marking the first week of school, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Witness Pat Scallen described the harrowing moment he heard gunfire near his home, stating, “I didn’t know exactly what it was at first, but after about the 10th shot, I knew something was wrong.” He rushed to the scene, where he found chaos unfolding as children and adults fled the church.
Amidst the panic, Scallen recounted seeing a boy and a girl with gunshot wounds to their heads, and another girl shot in the neck. “They were very frightened. They wanted their mom and dad,” he said. Scallen immediately took action, comforting the injured children and trying to keep them calm as he monitored their condition.
Authorities report that an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were tragically killed in the shooting. Of the injured, fourteen are children aged 6 to 15, while three elderly parishioners sustained injuries. Fortunately, all injured victims are expected to survive, according to police.
The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive behind this horrific act remains under investigation, with officials seeking answers to this senseless violence.
Scallen emphasized the significance of the Annunciation Catholic School, calling it “one of the premiere schools in the city and state” and vital to the community’s spirit. “I know they’ll be grieving for a while, but this place, they’ll come back,” he assured.
As the community rallies together in the wake of this tragedy, officials urge parents to have open conversations with their children about the incident and to provide emotional support. The impact of this shooting will be felt for a long time, but the resilience of the Annunciation Catholic School community shines through even in these dark moments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.
