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President Donald J. Trump responded with heartfelt sorrow to the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, where two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others, including 14 children, were injured.
In a Truth Social post, Trump expressed his grief and called for prayer. “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”
Later that day, Trump issued a proclamation from the White House. “President Donald J. Trump orders all flags of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27 in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” the White House wrote on X.
The shooting, described by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara as a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping,” occurred during a morning Mass when the shooter fired through church windows with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol before committing suicide.
The school was evacuated, and families were directed to a reunification zone to reconnect with their children, according to the Associated Press. Law enforcement sources later identified the shooter as Robin Westman and Robert Westman, a transgender-identifying man.
FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the tragedy on X. “We are aware of reports of a shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota. FBI agents are on scene, and we ask everyone to keep potential victims, civilians or law enforcement in harm’s way in your prayers. The FBI will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi also provided an update from the Justice Department. “Our federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting at the Annunciation Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My prayers are with everyone involved in this tragedy. Our team will provide updates as we receive them.” These statements underscored a unified federal response, complementing Trump’s call for prayers and support for the Minneapolis community.
