In a heartbreaking incident on Wednesday morning, a shooter opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and 17 wounded. 😢 The 8-year-old and 10-year-old victims were among the faithful sitting in pews during morning Mass when the attacker fired through church windows.
Armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, the gunman – in his 20s and with no extensive criminal record – then turned the weapon on himself. Authorities confirmed he died at the scene. Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara described the shooting as 'an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,' as echoed by FBI Director Kash Patel.🔫
This tragedy is the darkest chapter yet in a grim year for U.S. schools. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 44 shootings on K-12 and college grounds as of August 27, resulting in 18 deaths and at least 74 injuries. Nationwide, 286 mass shootings – defined as incidents where at least four people, excluding the shooter, are shot or killed – have shaken communities so far in 2023.
Hours after the attack, President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims. He praised the FBI's rapid response and vowed continued monitoring. But for many young people, entrepreneurs, and students following these stories, it also raised a tough question: Will the U.S. ever break free from this cycle of gun violence? ❓
From Latin America to Asia and beyond, communities watch closely as U.S. debates on gun laws, mental health support and school security continue. For now, the pain is real and the loss is unimaginable. Yet the hope of change – driven by news enthusiasts, activists, and young leaders – remains alive. ✊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
