Minneapolis Faces Back-to-Back Violence
In less than 48 hours, Minneapolis endured two separate shootings that left three people dead and more than 20 others injured. The incidents, one near Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and another during a Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, have shaken the city to its core and reignited urgent calls for reform.
Shooting at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
On Tuesday, August 26, gunfire erupted near Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in south Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed that one man was killed and six others were injured in what witnesses described as a drive-by style attack.
Several people reported hearing 15 or more shots in rapid succession. Police have not released details on suspects, and the motive remains under investigation (KSTP News).
Founded in 2007, Cristo Rey serves a diverse, predominantly low-income student body through a Jesuit work-study model (Cristo Rey Network). The shooting happened just blocks from classrooms filled with teenagers returning for a new school year.
Annunciation Catholic School Massacre
Just one day later, on the morning of Wednesday, August 27, tragedy struck again — this time during a school-wide Mass at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in the Windom neighborhood.
According to investigators, the gunman, 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, opened fire through stained glass windows while students and parishioners were gathered. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Seventeen others were wounded — including 14 children and three elderly parishioners (Washington Post).
Westman, who had legally purchased multiple firearms, died by suicide at the scene. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism and hate crime against Catholics (The Guardian).
Witnesses described scenes of terror. Some students hid under pews, while others shielded classmates. One survivor, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, told reporters his friend Victor shielded him from bullets, an act of bravery that may have saved his life (People Magazine).
City and National Response
Minneapolis leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, condemned the attacks. Flags across Minnesota were ordered to half-staff, and vigils quickly began forming throughout the city (CBS News).
Community members, faith leaders, and activists are demanding more than condolences. Calls for stricter gun regulations, stronger school security, and expanded trauma support are growing louder.
Across the nation, lawmakers and religious leaders expressed grief and solidarity. The White House released a statement calling the events “unthinkable tragedies” and pledged federal support for victims’ families.
The Bigger Picture
With two mass shootings in just two days, Minneapolis has become a painful example of America’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. Schools, churches, and neighborhoods that should be safe havens are instead scenes of loss and fear.
The question now is whether these tragedies will mark a turning point — or simply become another set of names on a growing list.
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