Vice President Vance Visits Minneapolis After Church Shooting
On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance traveled to Minneapolis to meet with families affected by the tragic Annunciation Catholic Church shooting.
The incident took place on August 27, when a 23-year-old assailant, Robin Westman, opened fire during a school Mass, discharging 116 rounds before taking his own life. This horrific attack claimed the lives of two young students: 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, while injuring 21 others, many of whom were also children.
“They will hold a series of private meetings to convey condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy,” the White House stated regarding the visit.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, along with his wife, arrived at the church a week after the shooting as the community mourned. They paused at a memorial outside the church, laying flowers on the grass before engaging with the families of the victims.
“Nothing is happening,” Kacie Sharpe expressed, whose 8-year-old son, Trip, was close to one of the deceased. “It keeps happening over and over — and nothing changes. It’s the most helpless feeling knowing you can’t send your kids to school safely.”
In the wake of the tragedy, calls for prayer surged, including from Vance. Still, many Democratic leaders criticized the phrase “thoughts and prayers,” feeling it incites frustration instead of action.
Jenn Psaki, former Press Secretary for Joe Biden, tweeted, “Prayer is not enough. Prayers do not end school shootings or make parents feel secure sending their kids to school. It does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”
In response, Vance clarified sentiments shared by many Americans regarding prayer after such devastation.
“We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we understand that God can inspire us to take real action,” Vance remarked. “Why attack others for praying when children were just killed while praying?”
Last weekend, Masses were held in the school gym since the church has yet to be reconsecrated for worship, and there’s been no announcement regarding the resumption of classes.
