Shattered by violence, Annunciation draws on its history of resilience

On Wednesday, a shooter opened fire during a morning mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 18 others. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, had a personal connection to the church, having attended its school in 2017. This tragedy has shaken a community known for its service, academic excellence, and strong familial bonds. Established in 1922, Annunciation Church and its school have remained vital to the neighborhood, which boasts a stable enrollment of around 350 students despite nationwide trends of declining Catholic school attendance. Parish Council Member Kevin McMahon highlighted the church's enduring influence and commitment to community service.

The church's teachings emphasize love and care for the poor, further deepening its role as a neighborhood anchor. This incident has raised urgent concerns about safety in places of worship. As the community mourns, it seeks to understand how to move forward in the wake of such violence.