Minneapolis shooting victor – during a chilling mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, a 10‑year‑old boy named Victor displayed extraordinary bravery by shielding a friend under a hail of bullets, a moment that epitomized both the horror and heroism of the tragedy.
Minneapolis shooting victor began unfolding on the morning of August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:27 a.m., when gunfire erupted during a school‑wide Mass. The assailant, 23‑year‑old Robin Westman—a former student at the school—opened fire from outside the church using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, attacking worshippers and students gathered in the pews WikipediaNew York Post.
Two young children—8‑year‑old Fletcher Merkel and 10‑year‑old Harper Moyski—were killed in the attack IndiatimesABC NewsCBS News. Eighteen others were wounded, including fifteen children and three elderly parishioners WikipediaCBS NewsNew York Post.
One of the survivors, 10‑year‑old Weston Halsne, recounted how his friend Victor lay atop him to shield him from the bullets:
“My friend Victor … saved me though, because he lay on top of me, but he got hit.” People.comhttps://www.wdbj7.com
Victor is now recovering, and his family has launched a fundraising effort to help cover mounting medical costs, with his uncle noting that Victor and his sister were both injured as a result of his selfless act FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. PaulStar Tribune.
Families mourn, community rallies
Grief and remembrance quickly spread throughout the community. Fletcher Merkel’s father, Jesse, spoke tearfully, urging empathy over sympathy:
“Please remember Fletcher for the person he was … Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. … Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.” Global NewsCBS NewsABC News
Harper Moyski’s parents remembered their daughter as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved,” and mourned her loss alongside her grieving sister ABC NewsIndiatimes. Meanwhile, communities and officials called for meaningful action:
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the need for “true gun reform” https://www.wdbj7.com.
- Eyes turned toward Washington as the event heightened national debate about gun violence and school safety Axios.
Federal and religious responses
Authorities identified the shooting as both a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism targeting the Catholic community. The FBI is investigating an alleged manifesto the shooter posted on YouTube prior to the attack New York PostThe Times.
Religious leaders responded with both grief and tangible demands. Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron criticized the dismissal of prayer’s role by some public figures, urging prayer to complement, not replace, concrete steps to prevent future tragedies New York Post.
Call for policy changes
Amid devastation, policymakers in Minnesota are advancing proposals to curtail assault weapons and high‑capacity magazines—paralleling earlier domestic debates on gun control Axios.
Opinion columns and editorials, such as in Express News, condemned the cycle of lethargy and “thoughts and prayers,” calling for universal background checks and red‑flag laws San Antonio Express-News.
Community healing and tributes
Vigils were held at the church, where survivors, families, and local residents gathered to seek solace and healing. The victims were fondly remembered for their personalities and dreams, and memorials featured heartfelt messages and community prayers https://www.wdbj7.comThe Times of IndiaIndiatimes.
Video Highlight
Summary of Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church during school Mass in Minneapolis |
| Date & Time | August 27, 2025, around 8:27 a.m. CDT |
| Perpetrator | Robin Westman, 23, former student; died by suicide |
| Casualties | Deaths: Fletcher Merkel (8), Harper Moyski (10). Injuries: 18 (15 children, 3 elderly) |
| Heroic Act | Victor shielded Weston Halsne, was injured in the process |
| Community Response | Families mourned and called for action; city and faith leaders responded |
| Policy Impact | Renewed urgency around gun control, hate crime investigations, domestic terrorism |
Final Thoughts
The Minneapolis shooting victor narrative offers both a testament to human courage and a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. Victor’s bravery shone amid horror, underscoring the preciousness of each child’s life. As the community grieves, the rallying cry for reform echoes louder than ever.