The mayor of Minneapolis criticized Christians offering prayers for victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, which left two children dead and 17 injured. During a press conference held after the incident, Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey stated that “thoughts and prayers” were insufficient in response to the violence.
Frey emphasized the profound grief of families affected by the attack, noting that the victims included children who had been praying during the mass. The shooting occurred on Wednesday morning at the church’s school, where students were celebrating their first Mass of the new academic year. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the act as a “deliberate attack” targeting innocent worshippers.
The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol before taking his own life. Authorities confirmed that two children aged 8 and 10 were killed, while 14 other children and two adults sustained injuries, including critical conditions. Hennepin Healthcare is treating the victims.
Frey later addressed reports linking the shooter to the transgender community, condemning attempts to “villainize” marginalized groups. He redirected focus to gun control measures, urging action beyond rhetoric. “We cannot allow this to happen again and again,” he stated, highlighting the prevalence of firearms in the U.S.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage over the violence and the mayor’s response to religious expressions of solidarity.