Vice President JD Vance faced protesters during his visit to Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday, where he paid tribute to victims of last week’s tragic school shooting. Vance and his wife, Usha, stood silently before a statue of the Virgin Mary before entering the church to meet with survivors and grieving families. The visit was part of a larger effort to offer federal support and compassion to a community still reeling from the violence.
Outside the church, demonstrators gathered across the street, holding signs that read “Protect kids not guns” and waving a rainbow Pride flag that included transgender colors. Chants of “you’re a coward,” “do better,” and “protect our kids” echoed as the Vice President arrived. Conservative commentator Dustin Grage criticized the protest on social media, calling it “tone-deaf” given the somber occasion and the nature of Vance’s visit.
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Authorities have identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who opened fire during a school Mass on August 27, killing two children and injuring 21 others. Westman, born Robert and legally changed his name in 2019, was reportedly armed with a rifle, pistol, and shotgun — all legally purchased. The victims included 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the shooter’s identity and stated the attack is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism with anti-religious motives.
Following his private meetings with the victims’ families, Vance spoke to reporters, calling the experience both “heartbreaking” and “gratifying.” He shared moving accounts from parents who described their children’s lives and personalities in detail. Harper had recently celebrated her first communion, while Fletcher was remembered as a lively child with a vibrant personality. Vance urged Americans to focus on the victims rather than the perpetrator, and asked for prayers for a young girl still in critical condition.
Vance also addressed the broader implications of the attack, emphasizing the need to prevent such tragedies by identifying warning signs and restricting access to firearms for dangerous individuals. When asked whether people with gender dysphoria should be investigated if they show signs of threatening behavior, Vance replied that anyone targeting children should be scrutinized, regardless of background. He stressed that the focus must be on prevention and root causes. Reflecting on the experience, Vance said he was personally moved as a father and committed to honoring the victims by being more present for his own children.
