The horror that tore through a Minneapolis Catholic church Wednesday morning during a Mass was met with extraordinary courage. As a gunman sprayed bullets through the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Church, teachers and older students scrambled to shield the youngest worshippers. Two children—described by the school principal as “two angels”—were killed, and 17 others wounded in the attack.
Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matthew DeBoer’s voice shook as he recounted how staff and students reacted in the chaos. “Within seconds, our heroic staff moved students under the pews,” he said. “Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children. It could have been significantly worse without their action.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed the tribute, calling the split-second bravery “nothing short of heroic.” He noted that by shielding others—often at risk to themselves—faculty and students likely prevented a death toll that could have been far higher. Police officers who arrived within minutes evacuated the church, escorting frightened children and teachers to safety.
For families, the grief is overwhelming. Parents reunited outside police barricades, clinging to loved ones while absorbing the devastating news. DeBoer urged the community to surround the victims’ families with love and prayer, adding: “Please lift up these families and these children in prayer during this difficult time.”
