A quiet Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis erupted into chaos when gunfire rang out, leaving children and parishioners injured.
What began as a routine school service to mark the start of the year turned into a scene of terror, with five young children among the seriously wounded.
Young Heroes Amid the Horror
Among the children injured were Vivi St Clair, 9; Endre Gunter, 13; Sophia Forchas, 12; Lydia Kaiser; and Victor, 10.
They survived the attack but face long and challenging recoveries.
Victor displayed remarkable bravery, shielding his friend Weston Halsne, 10, by lying on top of him as bullets flew through the church windows.
“My friend Victor saved me by laying on top of me, but he got hit,” Weston told reporters, highlighting the courage of his friend during the shooting.
Fatalities and Wounded
The gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, killed two children, aged 8 and 10, and wounded 18 others, including 15 children as young as six.
Authorities have confirmed all injured are expected to survive.
Three elderly churchgoers in their 80s were also hurt but are recovering.
As of Thursday, nine patients remained hospitalized, with one child in critical condition.
Westman, a transgender woman, took her own life after the shooting and left a YouTube manifesto that may provide clues about her motives.
Victor’s Courage
Victor’s uncle, Mike Kelly, described him as “one of the brave victims who survived the tragedy,” noting that Victor’s selfless act saved lives, though he and his sister were injured.
Victor’s heroism at the stained-glass window earned him praise as he helped protect his friend Weston from serious harm.
Lydia Kaiser Protects Her Little Buddy
Lydia Kaiser was also injured while protecting her assigned “little buddy” for the start of the school year.
Her father, gym teacher Harry Kaiser, remained inside the church to help keep the children safe.
Although Lydia underwent major surgery, her father’s bravery and presence helped guide students to safety during the attack.
Vivi St Clair Remains Hopeful
Nine-year-old Vivi St Clair was shot multiple times in her back and arm but managed to run to safety.
She was treated at Hennepin Healthcare alongside classmates.
Despite the trauma, family and friends describe her as maintaining her innocence and optimism, looking forward to activities like swimming at her grandmother’s pool, even amid her long recovery.
Endre Gunter’s Faith and Strength
Thirteen-year-old Endre Gunter was shot in the stomach while praying with classmates.
His mother, Danielle Gunter, praised the first responders who assisted him, noting that he remained calm and requested a prayer before surgery.
Endre’s courage left a lasting impression on the medical team and his family.
Sophia Forchas Fights for Life
Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas underwent emergency surgery and is in critical condition.
Her family describes her as “bright, kind, and full of life,” and they are holding onto hope as she battles through the recovery process.
Sophia’s younger brother, though physically unharmed, witnessed the attack and now faces the trauma of that day alongside his sister’s hospitalization.
First Responders Face a Grisly Scene
Released 911 audio captured the chaos as emergency teams rushed to the church, urgently calling for supplies and reporting multiple critical patients and fatalities.
Dispatchers relayed the grim news that two were dead on arrival and confirmed the gunman had died by suicide shortly after the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate Westman’s motive and the circumstances that led to the attack.
Meanwhile, the community rallies around the
