As Minneapolis continues to mourn a devastating school shooting that claimed the lives of two children, Dancing With the Stars alum Cheryl Burke has found herself in the middle of unexpected backlash.
The professional dancer was forced to issue a heartfelt apology after posting a social media video that unintentionally struck a painful chord.
Cheryl Burke’s Video Sparks Backlash
On Wednesday night, just hours after the shooting, Burke uploaded a short transition clip to Instagram.
The video, meant to showcase her glam routine, included the sound of a gunshot.
At the time, she says she was completely unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded earlier that day.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something very important,” Burke wrote in her apology.
“Less than an hour ago, I posted a transition video that included the sound of a gun.
At the time, I was completely unaware of the horrific school shooting that took place today in Minneapolis.”
A Public Apology
Burke quickly deleted the post once she learned about the attack. Still, she admitted that her actions may have added to the pain of those already reeling from the violence.
“Out of respect for the lives impacted, I have already taken that post down,” she continued.
“I want to be clear … that does not erase the reality that my post could have caused pain, discomfort or retraumatization. For that, I am deeply sorry.”
She also reminded her followers that her intent was never to appear careless but admitted the incident served as a reminder to “pause, reflect, and be more mindful of timing and impact.”
Sending Condolences
The 41-year-old former dancer closed her message by offering her thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
“I know words cannot undo harm,” she wrote, “but I hope this message makes clear that I am holding myself accountable and moving forward with more awareness and sensitivity.”
The Minneapolis Shooting
The backdrop to Burke’s apology was a horrific attack earlier that same day.
An armed gunman, later identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, where a Catholic school was holding mass.
Two children were killed, and 17 others were injured.
Several remain in critical condition, including a 10-year-old boy shot in the head.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as dozens of terrified children fled, some covered in blood.
How the Attack Unfolded
Authorities said Westman, dressed in black and carrying multiple firearms, fired dozens of rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows. Police reported that the gunman had even barricaded doors to prevent escape.
Witnesses estimated that between 50 and 100 shots were fired, striking children and worshippers inside.
“This is evil. I don’t know how you defend against this,” one grieving parent told local media.
Westman died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials later confirmed that all of the weapons used in the attack had been legally purchased.
Leaders Respond
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the attack an act of “cowardice,” adding, “There are no words that capture the horror of this unspeakable act.”
Mayor Jacob Frey echoed the heartbreak at a press conference: “Children are dead.
You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or absolute pain of this moment.
Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now.
These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school.”
A Community in Shock
Parents described the scene as unimaginable—children crying, wounded, and clinging to strangers for comfort.
One little boy reportedly told his father, “I don’t feel safe,” while another resident said he held hands with three injured children, including one shot in the neck.
Emergency medics reported multiple head injuries among the victims, and several were rushed to hospitals in critical condition.
A Painful Reminder
As the city tries to process the devastation, Cheryl Burke’s apology served as a reminder of how quickly words—or even sounds—can deepen wounds in moments of grief.
While her misstep was unintentional, the timing underscored how sensitive communities remain in the wake of such tragedies.
For Minneapolis, the focus remains on mourning, healing, and demanding answers about how such horror could strike at a place meant to feel safe.
