Governor Tim Walz Responds to Tragedy at Minneapolis Catholic School

Just as the school year began, a devastating act of violence shattered morning calm at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. During an early Mass for students, gunfire erupted, leaving two young children dead and many more injured. The suspect—a man dressed in black and armed with multiple firearms—was swiftly neutralized by law enforcement. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and officials across the state responded with shock, sorrow, and swift measures to ensure community safety.

A Tragic Morning Turned Nightmare

It was the first full week of school. Students gathered in faith and song for Mass when terror struck. The shooter unleashed a barrage of gunfire from outside the church, striking children and adults inside the sanctuary. The violence was over within minutes, but the physical and emotional wounds run deep.

In the wake of the ordeal, Governor Walz issued a statement on social media, writing: “I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information. The BCA and State Patrol are on scene. I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.” At a press briefing, he described the attack as “evil and horror and death,” and pledged the state would not “step away”—declaring that no child, school, or community should endure such terror.

A Unified Emergency Response

Local, state, and federal agencies—including the Minneapolis Police, State Patrol, FBI, and BCA—swiftly descended on the school and surrounding neighborhoods. A reunification site was established, allowing anxious parents to be reunited with their children in a safe environment. Hospitals treated dozens of victims; while many sustained injuries, officials reported that most were expected to survive.

Governor Walz ordered flags at half-staff across all state buildings to honor those affected by the tragedy and called on everyone—citizens and institutions alike—to stand together and resist fear. “Minnesota is heartbroken,” he said. “We will get through this together. Hug your kids close.”

A State Mourns—and Mobilizes

A sense of grief deepened as details emerged. The tragedy reignited national debates on school safety, gun control, and support for religious institutions. Religious leaders echoed Walz’s calls for healing and reflection. Many praised the state’s first responders, educators, clergy, and medical staff for their bravery and compassion on that horrific morning.

Despite the pain, emergency preparedness immediately shifted into action. Walz announced the deployment of dozens of patrol officers, including State Troopers and DNR enforcement personnel, to increase security at schools and places of worship across Minneapolis—especially in the days immediately following the attack.

Beyond Prayer—and into Policy

While many offered prayers, some leaders insisted that words must be matched by policy. The mayor and others publicly refrained from simply offering sympathy, noting that children died while praying—underscoring that faith is not a shield against bullets. Calls intensified for stricter background checks, updated red flag laws, and stronger school security measures.

A Turning Point

This classroom where learning began became a site of violence, grief, and community reckoning. For Governor Walz, the attack represented an urgent call to action. While faith and solidarity have been central to Minnesota’s response, the tragedy has highlighted that prevention must be purposeful, not passive.

The healing process has begun, and the unpredictable summer in Minneapolis has reminded everyone how fragile safety can be—from legislative halls to school pews. But even amid sorrow, one message rings clear: Minnesota will not step away. More than a state, this is a community determined to respond, rebuild, and refuse to let terror define them.