Visit to Grieving Families
Vice President JD Vance visited Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis one week after a deadly shooting. He and Second Lady Usha Vance met privately with families of victims, parish leaders, and school officials. Among them were the parents of Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, who were killed, as well as the families of the 21 injured. The couple laid flowers at a memorial, read messages left by mourners, and prayed inside the sanctuary.
Heartfelt Pleas for Action
During the visit, victims’ families urged Vance to take meaningful steps on gun violence. Harry Kaiser, father of a wounded student, asked Vance to support efforts to study America’s mass shooting crisis. His wife, Leah, called on the vice president to “move your feet” beyond thoughts and prayers, urging him to transcend political divides in the pursuit of peace and unity.
Community Calls for Gun Safety
Neighbors and friends gathered outside the church holding signs demanding stricter gun laws. Messages included “Pro-Life = Pro-Gun Safety” and “Listen to the Pope, End the Pandemic of Arms.” Parents expressed frustration over repeated shootings and the inability to protect children at school. One mother, whose son lost his best friend in the attack, described feeling helpless in the face of ongoing violence.
Vance’s Response
While expressing deep sympathy, Vance declined to endorse specific policy measures proposed by Minnesota officials, including a possible legislative session. He instead emphasized the importance of listening to parents and working across political lines to reduce school shootings. His remarks stopped short of outlining concrete steps but reflected an openness to dialogue.
Resilience and Recovery
The vice president also visited Children’s Hospital, meeting survivors, including 10-year-old Lydia Kaiser. He later called Weston Halsne, another child recovering from surgery after a bullet fragment was removed from his neck. Families reported that Weston is expected to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, Annunciation Catholic School has not announced when classes or services will resume. Funerals for the young victims are being arranged.
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VP Vance says meeting with families of victims from Minneapolis church shooting affected him deeply
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