MINNEAPOLIS – In the aftermath of the devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School that claimed the lives of two young children and injured 17 others, the Minneapolis community has come together in an unprecedented display of solidarity, grief, and determination to support the families forever changed by this unthinkable tragedy.
Remembering the Innocent Lives Lost
The two children who lost their lives – an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old – were attending morning Mass on what should have been a routine Wednesday during their first week of classes. Their names, while being withheld at the families’ request during this initial period of mourning, represent the hopes and dreams of families whose worlds were shattered in an instant.
“These were beautiful children with their whole lives ahead of them,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis during an emotional press conference. “Their families are in our prayers, and our entire faith community is rallying to support them through this darkest of times.”
The Wounded: A Community’s Collective Pain
Beyond the two precious lives lost, 17 individuals were wounded in the attack, including 15 children and 2 adults. Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota hospitals have been providing round-the-clock care for the victims, with medical teams working tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Among the injured is young Sophia Forchas, whose family has become a focal point for community support efforts. The extent of injuries ranges from critical to stable, with several children requiring multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation.
Comprehensive Fundraising Efforts: Multiple Avenues of Support
Official Church and School Fundraising
Annunciation Catholic Church has established an official victim support fund in partnership with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Donations can be made directly through:
Annunciation Victim Support Fund
Mail: 520 W 54th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Online: www.annunciationmpls.org/donate
Phone: (612) 824-0335
The church has committed that 100% of donations to this fund will go directly to victim families for medical expenses, counseling, and long-term support needs.
Individual Family GoFundMe Campaigns
Several verified GoFundMe campaigns have been established for specific families:
Support Sophia and the Forchas Family
Organized by Michelle Erickson on behalf of Thomas Forchas
Goal: $100,000 for medical expenses and recovery support
Link: gofundme.com/f/support-sophia-and-the-forchas-family-recover
Additional verified family campaigns are being coordinated through the City of Minneapolis official website to ensure legitimacy and prevent fraudulent fundraising efforts.
Minneapolis Public Schools District Support
While the tragedy occurred at a Catholic school, Minneapolis Public Schools has activated its crisis response protocols and established a district-wide support fund. Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams announced:
“This tragedy affects our entire educational community. We are providing counseling services to any student or family in need, regardless of which school they attend. Our district has also established an emergency fund to support affected families.”
MPS Community Crisis Support Fund
Online: mpls.k12.mn.us/donate
Phone: (612) 668-0000
State of Minnesota Official Response
Governor Tim Walz has activated state emergency resources and announced the creation of a state victim assistance fund. The Minnesota Office of Justice Programs is coordinating long-term support services.
“Minnesota stands with Minneapolis in this time of unimaginable grief,” Governor Walz stated. “We are committed to ensuring that these families have every resource they need for as long as they need it.”
Minnesota Victim Assistance Fund
Website: mn.gov/dps/victim-assistance/
Phone: 1-888-622-8799
Community Business and Organization Support
Local businesses throughout Minneapolis have mobilized to support the community in various ways:
Mac’s Fish and Chips
Mac’s Fish and Chips, located near the school, has announced free meals for any community member affected by the tragedy. Owner Sarah Johnson stated, “Food is how we show love in times of crisis. Anyone who needs a meal will get one, no questions asked.”
Local Business Coalition
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber has coordinated a business community response, with dozens of local companies contributing to victim support funds and offering services ranging from legal assistance to childcare for affected families.
Mental Health and Counseling Resources
Recognizing the long-term psychological impact of this tragedy, multiple organizations have mobilized mental health support:
Immediate Crisis Support
Hennepin County Crisis Response
24/7 Hotline: (612) 596-1223
NAMI Minnesota
Support Line: (651) 645-2948
Long-term Counseling Services
The Archdiocese has partnered with Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis to provide ongoing counseling services for all affected families, regardless of their ability to pay.
Minneapolis Health Department has also activated additional mental health resources and is coordinating with schools throughout the district to provide trauma-informed support.
Faith Community Response
The broader faith community has rallied around Annunciation Catholic Church with unprecedented support:
Interfaith Support Network
Leaders from across Minneapolis’s religious communities have formed an interfaith support network. Islamic Center of Minnesota, Temple Israel, and numerous Protestant churches have offered their facilities and resources.
“In times of tragedy, faith communities must stand together,” said Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman of Temple Israel. “We are here to support our Catholic neighbors in whatever way they need.”
Prayer Vigils and Memorial Services
Multiple prayer vigils have been organized throughout the Twin Cities area:
Daily Evening Vigils
Location: Annunciation Catholic Church
Time: 7:00 PM daily
Open to all faiths and community members
Community Memorial Service
Date: Sunday, September 1, 2025
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM
Open to the public
Educational Community Support
Schools throughout Minnesota have activated support protocols:
Counseling and Support Services
Every school district in the Twin Cities metro area has made counselors available to students struggling with the news of the tragedy. Saint Paul Public Schools, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, and other districts have sent counselors to assist at Annunciation.
Safety Reassessments
The Minnesota Department of Education has announced comprehensive safety reviews for all schools statewide, with particular attention to houses of worship that also serve as educational facilities.
Law Enforcement and Investigation Support
The Minneapolis Police Department, working with the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, continues investigating the tragedy while providing support to affected families.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and community support throughout the investigation process.
Long-term Recovery Planning
City and community leaders are already planning for long-term recovery and support:
Trauma-Informed Community Healing
The City of Minneapolis has partnered with trauma specialists to develop a comprehensive community healing plan that will extend support for months and years to come.
Memorial Planning
Discussions have begun regarding permanent memorials to honor the victims and create spaces for ongoing remembrance and healing. The community will be involved in all memorial planning decisions.
How to Help: Verified Donation Channels
Community members wishing to support victims and families are encouraged to use only verified donation channels:
Verified Donation Options:
- Annunciation Catholic Church official fund
- Verified GoFundMe campaigns listed on city website
- Minneapolis Public Schools crisis fund
- Minnesota state victim assistance fund
- Catholic Charities support services
The City of Minneapolis maintains an updated list of verified fundraising efforts on its official website to prevent fraud and ensure donations reach intended recipients.
Volunteer Opportunities
For those wishing to volunteer time rather than money:
Volunteer Coordination Center
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Needs: Meal preparation, childcare, transportation, administrative support
A Community’s Promise
As Minneapolis continues to process this unthinkable tragedy, the overwhelming response from the community demonstrates the power of collective compassion and support. From the smallest individual donations to major corporate contributions, from prayer vigils to practical assistance, the city has shown that in the face of evil, love and community support will always prevail.
The road to healing will be long, and the scars from this tragedy will remain forever. But the response from Minneapolis – from every corner of the community – ensures that the families affected will never walk this difficult path alone.
As one parent outside the church said through tears, “We cannot bring back these beautiful children, but we can make sure their families know they are loved, supported, and never forgotten. That’s what community means.”
The healing has begun, and it will continue for as long as it takes, with the full support of a community united in grief, love, and determination to care for its most vulnerable members in their darkest hour.
