How the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting is impacting people in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Two children are dead and 17 others injured, according to the latest reports out of Minneapolis, on Wednesday morning after a shooting at a Catholic school.

Police say a man fired shots through a window into the pews while children were in mass at the Annunciation Catholic School south of Downtown Minneapolis.

The shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, says police.

According to police, Westman had no previous criminal history.

The Minneapolis mayor said in a press conference that the regular 'thoughts and prayers' just don't cut it right now, since the kids were praying when the shooting occurred.

KRDO13 spoke with many members of the local Catholic community in Southern Colorado who made it clear that, despite the distance from the Midwest city, the Catholic community is a family, and the tragedy has hit home for many.

Members of the local Catholic community who have children say they are having a tough time grappling with this reality.

"For me, that's where my heart went - I pictured my kids being there, and I'm sure other people pictured the same thing. It could have been any of us. So we need to be reminded of that perspective that life is fleeting and we need to be praying for each other,"  said Luke Vercollone, the executive director of Infeno Men's Group.

KRDO13 also spoke with a local nun who works in youth ministries in Colorado Springs, who reiterated the need for love and togetherness, even saying she will be praying for the shooter's family and making a point to say that while we don't know exactly what led up to this tragedy, the mental health crisis is real.

Below are statements from the local Diocese and the Colorado Governor.

Diocese of Pueblo Bishop Berg's statement:

“I’m saddened to hear of the tragedy of violence which has stricken our brothers and sisters at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We pray for the victims who have been slain, the recovery for those who have been wounded, and for the healings of families and loved ones stricken by this tragedy.

May these evil and horrific events be brought to an end. May God, who mourns with the victims, and calls society to justice, bring peace and healing to our world.”

Diocese of Colorado Springs Bishop Golka’s statement:

“My heart breaks for all the students, teachers and families affected by the shooting at Annunciation
School. The targeting of innocent children who were attending Mass to celebrate a new school year can
only be described as evil. I ask the faithful of the Diocese of Colorado Springs to pray and offer sacrifices
for all the victims and families whose lives were irrevocably altered this morning.

This appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no indication that other schools are in
danger at this time. Nonetheless, I want to emphasize that all staff members and students at our diocesan
Catholic schools are trained in standard emergency procedures. Furthermore, any time an incident of this
kind occurs, the Office of Catholic Schools reviews its safety policies and procedures to identify
vulnerabilities and reduce the chances of such a tragedy being repeated.”

Colorado Governor Polis, as directed by President Trump's proclamation order, has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from August 27 to August 31.

Governor Polis released the following statement:

“Kids deserve to feel and be safe in our schools, classrooms, neighborhoods, places of worship, and communities. No parent or family should ever have to wonder if their child is safe at school, and violence against any child or person in any form has no place in the United States. This is an awful attack, and I know the community will come together to remember those lost and support one another. Colorado sends our deepest condolences to our friends in Minneapolis and Minnesota during this challenging time.”

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