Gunfire Erupts During Prayer at Minneapolis Catholic School

Tragedy struck a Catholic school in Minneapolis on March 15, 2024, when gunfire erupted during a prayer service. As approximately 200 teachers, parents, and students gathered in the church for a psalm, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by a barrage of bullets. Two children, aged 8 and 10, died in the shooting, marking another devastating incident in the ongoing crisis of school violence in the United States.

The morning had begun with sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns over the pews. A church member read, “For you darkness itself is not dark, and night shines as the day,” just moments before chaos ensued. As bullets struck the church, someone shouted, “Down! Everybody down!” Teachers and children quickly ducked for cover behind wooden pews.

In a heroic act, a fifth grader named Victor shielded his friend Weston Halsne by throwing himself on top of him. Weston later shared, “He’s really brave, and I hope he’s good in the hospital.” Tragically, Victor was shot in the back during the incident. The chaos forced families and school staff to barricade doors and flee to a nearby gymnasium for safety.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing as many as 50 shots fired over several minutes. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, was later found deceased by suicide behind the church. Although Westman’s mother had previously worked at the school, no other connections to the church have been established, and a motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Fourteen of the injured were children, with ages ranging from 6 to 15. Fortunately, all are expected to survive, although the trauma of the event will likely linger. Parents embraced their children outside the church as heavily armed law enforcement officers secured the area.

The tight-knit community surrounding the century-old Catholic school is grappling with grief and confusion in the aftermath of the shooting. Many residents expressed their disbelief that such violence could occur within their neighborhood. Aubrey Pannhoff, a 16-year-old student from a nearby school, remarked, “I’m just asking (God), ‘Why right now? It’s little kids.’”

Later that evening, a vigil was held to honor the victims. Archbishop Bernard Hebda addressed the congregation of approximately 2,000 attendees, offering words of solace during this tragic time. “I can understand why someone could resonate with the Psalmist’s question: ‘Why, oh God, have you forgotten me?’” he said, emphasizing the need for hope amid despair.

The school’s pastor, Rev. Dennis Zehren, who was scheduled to deliver a sermon that day, struggled to articulate his thoughts during the vigil. His emotional response reflected the collective grief felt by those in attendance.

As the community seeks answers and healing, the tragic event once again highlights the urgent need to address gun violence, especially in schools. The profound impact of this incident will resonate throughout Minneapolis, leaving scars that may take years to heal.