January 1, Deadly Shooting Rocks Minneapolis Church Mass

Wyatt’s Take

• Two children killed and many hurt at Minneapolis church
• Shooter targeted kids during their first week of school
• Police and first responders saved lives and families reunited later

A gunman opened fire outside Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during a school mass, killing two children and injuring seventeen others. Most of the victims were kids who had just started a new school year and were sitting in church pews when the tragedy struck.

The incident took place just before 8:30 a.m. Officers rushed in, gave first aid, and helped children escape to safety. The suspect, a man in his early twenties, used several firearms and then took his own life in the church.

Chief Brian O’Hara called it “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping.” Emergency crews moved victims to local hospitals right away.

Of the seventeen injured, fourteen are children, including two in critical condition. No known criminal history has been found for the shooter yet, and it is unknown if he had any previous connection to the church or school.

Students and staff from Annunciation Catholic School were quickly evacuated, and families gathered at a reunification spot. Pediatric hospitals are caring for the wounded.

Leaders across the country shared support and prayers. Minnesota’s governor, President Trump, and others all called the shooting tragic. State and federal authorities are still investigating and securing the scene.

Read more here

Wyatt Matters

Events like this shake families and faith communities to their core. Protecting our children and keeping our schools and places of worship safe must always come first for America’s heartland.