In response to the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, officials in Los Angeles are taking precautionary steps to bolster security around the city's Catholic education institutions. According to CBS Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass announced the Los Angeles Police Department will be conducting extra patrols at all Catholic schools and places of worship as a safety measure. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Unified School District has been advised to increase "high-visibility patrols" across its schools.
The recent shooting, which resulted in the death of two children and injured several others during Mass, has shaken communities nationwide. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara revealed that the weapons used in the attack, including a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, had been legally bought recently. "It is sad, and disturbing that this attack was carried out while the children were praying at Mass," said Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez in a post quoted by CBS Los Angeles.
Archbishop Gomez also took to social media to share his condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. As reported by NBC Los Angeles, Gomez posted an image of "The Annunciation," a painting by Luca Giordano, to accompany his message. Paul Escala, superintendent and senior director of the Archdiocese of LA's Department of Catholic Schools, assured that they are committed to a safe and supportive learning environment, affirming that "Our schools are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all in our school communities."
In a heartbreaking account, 10-year-old Weston Halsne detailed to NBC Los Angeles how his classmate Victor protected him during the incident. "The first [shot] I was like, 'What is that?' I thought it was just something," said Halsne. “Then I heard again, I just ran under the pew, and then I covered my head," he continued. Victor's courageous actions potentially saved Weston’s life, although Victor himself was injured and is currently hospitalized.
As communities across the country reel from the violence in Minneapolis, Pope Leo also expressed his deep sorrow and extended his spiritual support to those impacted by the event, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has pledged to review and reinforce safety protocols across its schools in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
