US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha visited Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday, meeting privately with families affected by last week’s mass shooting which killed two children and injured 21 others.
The couple laid flowers at a memorial before joining the families inside for nearly two hours, as reported by The Washington Post.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis welcomed the vice president’s presence, saying: “It gives an opportunity for them to put a face on this great tragedy.” He added that prayers and support from Pope Leo and clergy across the world have strengthened the community.
The gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide after firing 116 rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows during the school’s first Mass of the year.
Investigators say he left writings expressing hate towards “almost every group imaginable".
One of the wounded children, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, underwent surgery this week to remove a bullet fragment from his neck. His family said he is expected to make a full recovery.
Posting on X, Vance said that he was given two requests from the families of the victims: "First, to pray for Sophia, who continues to fight for her life every day. Pray for her health, pray for her swelling to be controlled, and pray for strength for her parents, doctors, and nurses.
"Second, don't give the shooter the attention, but focus on the kids who were taken from us."
As Vice President Vance prayed inside the sanctuary with mourning families, the scene outside was markedly different. Across the road, protesters waved rainbow flags and held signs reading “protect kids, not guns,” while chanting demands for stronger action.