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Boston Archbishop Richard Henning issued a statement Wednesday following a deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. During a back-to-school Mass, two children were killed and 17 others injured, including 14 students and three elderly parishioners. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a transgender woman who had no extensive criminal history, fired from outside the church before taking his own life. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime and act of domestic terrorism.
Henning offered prayers for the victims and their families, extended support to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and invoked the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel for protection and peace.
“I would like to express prayerful solidarity with the community of Annunciation Parish and school, Archbishop Hebda, and all the clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis as today they suffer the effects of cruel violence. We pray seeking healing for the wounded, strength for the bereaved, and peace for the students who died while gathered with their classmates in prayer. May the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, defender of the innocent, deliver us from evil.”
The attack occurred shortly after another shooting at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, also a Catholic institution, on August 26, in which one man was killed and six others injured.
The shootings have drawn national attention and renewed calls for stronger protective measures. President Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-mast until August 31.
