Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Gov. Youngkin respond to tragedy in Minneapolis

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – The Catholic Diocese of Richmond released a statement Wednesday following the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis

A gunman opened fire Wednesday morning, shooting through the windows of the Catholic church associated with the school. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were fatally wounded and at least 17 others were hurt. The children were celebrating Mass during the first week of school.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Bishop Barry C. Knestout, of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, released this statement Wednesday:

“As a Church, we are all heartbroken over the tragic shooting this morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that took the lives of precious children and injured more than a dozen others. I am filled with even more profound sadness to learn that the horrors of this violence took place during an all-school Mass.

“The Diocese of Richmond remains firmly committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the loved ones entrusted to our schools. We implement a wide variety of measures to protect our school communities, including Emergency Response Plans tailored to the unique needs of each school.  Each time we hear about a tragedy such as this one, we are reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant.

“I ask everyone to join me in prayer for those who have tragically died and all those affected by today’s horrific violence, especially the families, first responders, the Annunciation community, and the entire Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. May they find peace and comfort in Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin also released a statement Wednesday, requesting the flags be lowered in honor of the victims.

Pursuant to President Donald J. Trump’s Presidential Proclamation to lower the flag of the United States of America, I do hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth in memory and respect of the victims of this senseless act of violence committed on August 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, and remain at half-staff until sunset on August 31, 2025. Ordered on this, the 27th day of August, 2025.

Gov. Youngkin