Child’s Selfless Heroism During Minneapolis School Shooting Brings Community to Tears
What began as a day of learning and prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis turned into a nightmare when suspected gunman Robin Westman entered the building and began firing without distinction.
While the tragedy left scars, both physical and emotional, the extraordinary courage shown by students and staff prevented the loss of many more young lives.
The Buddy System That Saved Lives
When gunfire suddenly erupted inside the church, panic swept the congregation. Yet even in that moment of terror, students leaned on a system designed for care and responsibility: the school’s “buddy program.”
Older middle schoolers, already paired with younger children, instinctively shielded their little buddies. Many threw themselves over them, while others pulled frightened classmates under the pews. Teachers shouted for calm and rushed to guide groups of students toward safety.
Michael Burt, a father of five students enrolled at Annunciation, explained how those small acts of courage made the difference:
“The very first thing the middle schoolers did was push their buddies under the pews. That’s why so many of the older kids stood longer, absorbing the danger, taking injuries. They chose to protect instead of run.”
Two students, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed in the shooting. Their loss is being mourned not just by their families, but by the entire Minneapolis community.
One Child’s Life-Saving Sacrifice
Hennepin Emergency Medical Services Chief Marty Scheerer confirmed one of the most heartbreaking acts of bravery.
“We had a child who laid across another student and took a shotgun blast to his back. That child saved a life in that moment.”
Scheerer said the students’ responses weren’t random. They had been through active shooter drills before, and though no child should ever have to use that training, it made a critical difference.
He added:
“Children were covering each other. Teachers were covering children. Everyone was doing something to protect someone else. That’s why the toll wasn’t worse.”
Teachers and Staff: Standing in the Line of Fire
Principal Matthew DeBoer praised not only the students but also the staff. Within seconds of hearing shots, teachers were moving children into hiding places. Many stood between the gunfire and their students.
“Adults were protecting children, and older children were protecting younger ones. It could have been so much worse,” DeBoer told reporters.
Even while under fire, teachers prioritized their students. Scheerer later reflected,
“The teachers were being shot at. And still, they protected the kids. That says everything about their courage.”
Courage Beyond the Church Walls
The heroism didn’t end once victims reached the hospital. Dr. Jon Gayken of Hennepin County Medical Center recalled one injured student who panicked during a CT scan. A nurse, unassigned to the mass casualty event, stepped forward.
“She put on lead protection, sat beside the child, held her hand, stroked her hair — and stayed with her through the entire scan. That’s heroism of a different kind, but just as important.”
“Countless Lessons of Bravery”
Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the rapid actions of students, teachers, and first responders saved lives.
“From the youngest children to the elders in the parish, there are countless stories of bravery. That is what will stay with us.”
O’Hara noted that when officers finally entered the church, they saw children with blood on their clothes — not from their own wounds, but from shielding others.
Several first responders on the scene were parents of students at Annunciation. For them, the mission was both professional and deeply personal.
The Suspect’s Final Act
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter, Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the church.
Police recovered three legally purchased weapons — a shotgun, a rifle, and a pistol — along with more than 100 spent rifle casings. Investigators believe Westman posted a disturbing manifesto on social media before the attack, though a motive has not yet been established.
A Community Forever Changed
The city of Minneapolis has been left shaken, yet profoundly moved, by the courage of children who refused to think only of themselves in the face of terror.
Their bravery, teachers’ selflessness, and first responders’ speed remind us that even in moments of darkness, humanity’s light still shines.