Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting: A Community in Mourning

Advanced | September 1, 2025

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Tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School

On August 27, 2025, at around 8:27 a.m., a shooter opened fire during a school-wide Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis’s Windom neighborhood. The attacker shot through the church windows with multiple weapons and killed two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Bullets injured seventeen others, including 15 children and three elderly parishioners. Afterward, the attacker died by suicide. People now widely know this tragic event as the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting. (YouTube, Wikipedia)

Weapons, Investigation, and Labels

Officials confirmed that the shooter carried a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—all legally purchased. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism and an anti-Catholic hate crime. Authorities are also reviewing a manifesto and videos the shooter left behind, which contained hateful messages and disturbing imagery. The seriousness of the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting has pushed federal officials to scrutinize the case. (Wikipedia, People)

Stories of Heroism and Survival

One survivor, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, survived because his friend Victor shielded him during the attack. A bullet fragment struck Weston and lodged near his carotid artery, but doctors expect him to recover after surgery. Meanwhile, the community rallied to support the victims through fundraisers—Weston’s campaign has raised over $33,000, and Victor’s has collected more than $300,000. (People)

A Call for Action and Reflection

Community leaders and public officials responded swiftly. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged action beyond “thoughts and prayers,” while Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff. Archbishop Bernard Hebda led prayer vigils, and the city opened a family resource center to help affected families. This tragic day reignited conversations about gun control, school safety, and mental health. (Wikipedia)

Why This Matters

For students and families, this incident shows how fragile safety can feel—even in places of worship and learning. Communities heal when heroes step forward in crisis and when leaders focus on policy that prevents future tragedies. Understanding these lessons is essential for moving forward together.

Vocabulary

Domestic terrorism (noun) – politically motivated violence committed within one’s own country.
Example: “The FBI called the attack ‘domestic terrorism.’”
Parishioner (noun) – someone who attends a particular church.
Example: “Three elderly parishioners were injured in the shooting.”
Manifesto (noun) – a public declaration of intentions or beliefs.
Example: “Investigators found a hateful manifesto at the scene.”
Fundraiser (noun) – an event or campaign to collect money for a cause.
Example: “A fundraiser raised $300,000 for Victor’s medical costs.”
Shield (verb) – to protect someone from harm.
Example: “Victor shielded Weston from bullets.”
Carotid artery (noun) – a major blood vessel in the neck.
Example: “The bullet fragment was lodged dangerously close to his carotid artery.”
Mourning (noun) – expressing grief after a loss.
Example: “The community was in deep mourning.”
Half-staff (adverb) – positioning a flag midway on a pole to show respect.
Example: “Flags were flown at half-staff statewide.”
Action beyond thoughts and prayers (phrase) – doing more than offering words of sympathy.
Example: “Mayor Frey insisted on action beyond thoughts and prayers.”
Legally purchased (phrase) – bought in compliance with the law.
Example: “The shooter used guns that were legally purchased.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What happened at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, 2025?
Why is the FBI investigating the shooting as domestic terrorism and a hate crime?
How did Victor help his friend Weston during the shooting?
What support have community leaders offered to affected families?
How are the victims and their families being helped through fundraising?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How can schools and communities better prepare for emergencies?
What changes would you like to see in gun control or school safety policies?
Why are public officials’ responses (like half-staff flags) important after tragedies?
How do survivors and their families find the strength to go on?
What role does faith or community support play in healing after a tragic event?

Related Idiom

“Thinking on one’s feet” – reacting quickly and effectively in a sudden situation.
Example: “Victor was thinking on his feet when he shielded his friend Weston.”

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This article was inspired by CNN, AP News, and People Magazine.