Minneapolis is still reeling from the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on August 27, 2025, but stories of survival and courage are beginning to emerge. These personal accounts highlight not only the pain but also the resilience of a community determined to heal.
Among the survivors is 13-year-old Endre Gunter, who was shot in the stomach while attending the back-to-school Mass. Thanks to the quick actions of a Minneapolis police officer who stayed by his side, prayed with him, and provided emergency care, Endre made it through surgery and is now on the road to recovery. His family says their focus is on helping him rebuild strength and confidence while honoring the memory of those who did not survive.
Another young student, Weston Halsne, shared how his friend Victor shielded him during the chaos, laying his body over him as bullets flew. Weston recalls that Victor was struck in the process, but his bravery likely saved a life. It was a heartbreaking but powerful reminder of how children, drilled in safety protocols at school, acted instinctively to protect one another even in a church setting where such violence felt unimaginable.
The shooting left two children dead and 17 others injured, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and beyond. In the days since, the community has gathered for vigils, prayers, and calls for change—seeking answers and demanding stronger action to protect schools and places of worship. Leaders have urged compassion for all affected while also pressing for reforms to address gun violence and mental health struggles.
For many, the voices of survivors like Endre and Weston are a beacon in the darkness. Their courage—and the outpouring of support from first responders, neighbors, and faith leaders—shows that even in tragedy, hope and humanity endure. Minneapolis grieves, but it also stands united, carrying the memory of lost lives and the resilience of those who survived.