In the wake of a shooting that took the lives of two children and injured 20 others at a Catholic school in south Minneapolis on Wednesday, local and national figures have offered their sympathies and called for gun control.
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House, military bases and other public properties in respect “for the victims of the senseless acts of violence.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has also issued a half-staff order for state buildings.
“Minnesota is heartbroken by the senseless shooting that took place this morning,” Walz said in a statement. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence. To the officers and first responders, the clergy and teachers providing comfort, and the hospital staff saving lives – thank you. We will get through this together.”
Here’s how local and national leaders and representatives are reacting to the Minneapolis shootings:
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar
“I am heartbroken by the horrific violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis this morning. My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families, and I am grateful for the first responders who are on the scene.”
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith
“I’m continuing to monitor the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and I’m in close touch with local officials. Incredibly grateful for the work of the police and first responders in containing the shooter and attending to victims. This is the most horrific nightmare imaginable for the parents who dropped their children off at the first week back to school. My heart is breaking for my beloved Minneapolis
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum
“My heart goes out to our neighbors in Minneapolis impacted by the horrific violence at Annunciation Catholic School this morning. I’m grateful for the swift response by first responders. All Minnesotans join as one in supporting the children, teachers, and their families,” she said in a post on X, later adding: “It’s devastating to learn that innocent children were fired on as they sat in pews during mass. My heart breaks for the two children who were killed and for the 17 other victims injured. These children, teachers, and their families need our prayers and our full support.”
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar
“I am beyond heartbroken over the tragic news of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis,” Omar said in an X post. I am praying for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy. I will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig
“Cheryl and I are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of a shooting this morning in South Minneapolis. We are grateful to the first responders on the scene, and praying for the kids, families and teachers affected by this horrific act of violence. I am in touch with state and local officials and will be closely monitoring the situation.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer
In an X post: “We are tracking the reports about a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and first responders on the scene.”
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber
“I am heartbroken by the horrific news coming out of Minneapolis this morning,” the representative said in a post to X. ”I am praying for the kids, parents, and teachers at Annunciation Catholic School, and for the first responders on the scene.”
Minneapolis state Senate delegation
“We condemn this violence in the strongest terms. We stand with all those grieving, especially the families of the 8- and 10-year-old who lost their life on today and the over 17 people that are injured and recommit ourselves to solutions to address the epidemic of gun violence and keep our children and communities safe.”
Minnesota DFL
“This epidemic must stop. No child should have to fear being at school, and no parent should have to worry about their child’s safety in the classroom. All options must be on the table to end gun violence in our communities. Minnesotan families deserve to be safe in every aspect of life, and we will continue fighting for common-sense solutions that protect our children and prevent future tragedies.”
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks
“My heart is breaking at the news this morning, and my prayers are with everyone who is affected. There is no place for this kind of violence, and attacks on a sacred place and children are especially egregious. As a state we stand together against these violent acts and the wicked individuals who perpetrate them.”
Minnesota GOP
In a statement on X: “Our hearts are broken for the children, teachers, staff, and faith community members & 1st Responders who have been traumatized or devastatingly harmed by today’s events. There are NO words that can fully capture the depth of sorrow.”
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis
“I am so grateful for the many promises of prayers that have been coming in from the Holy Father, Pope Leo, and from so many from all around the globe, all praying for the families of Annunciation Parish and School and for all who were impacted by this morning’s senseless violence.
I beg for the continued prayers of all of the priests and faithful of this Archdiocese, as well for the prayers of all men and women of good will, that the healing that only God can bring will be poured out on all those who were present at this morning’s Mass and particularly for the affected families who are only now beginning to comprehend the trauma they sustained. We lift up the souls of those who lost their lives to our loving God through the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace.
My heart is broken as I think about students, teachers, clergy and parishioners and the horror they witnessed in a Church, a place where we should feel safe.”
Minnesota Department of Education
“The Minnesota Department of Education is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Our thoughts are with the students, families, and educators affected by this senseless violence.
Schools should be safe places for all to learn, teach, and grow. Violence of any kind has no place in our communities, much less in our schools.
We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to support Annunciation and the broader community as they respond to this tragedy.”
Jewish Community Relations Council
“Grief and sorrow have descended upon our hearts after the horrific mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. We pray for the victims and their families and send loving care to all the first responders and to our dear friends in Minnesota’s Catholic community,” read a statement from the JCRC.
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