Gov. Tim Walz Deploys State Troopers To Protect Minneapolis Schools, Churches

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Gov. Tim Walz has ordered the deployment of state law enforcement officers to support public safety efforts at schools and places of worship in Minneapolis following Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church.

The deployment, which began Thursday morning, includes 14 Minnesota State Patrol troopers and six Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforcement officers.

Organized into two-person squads, the officers will be assigned across all five Minneapolis police precincts, with special attention on schools and churches.

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"Students deserve to start the school year full of hope, excitement, maybe a little apprehension about what the year may bring," Walz said.

"No child in America should go to school apprehensive of danger, of losing a classmate, of gunshots during prayer. We will work in close partnership with the City of Minneapolis to give residents every reassurance that their families and their children are safe."

Col. Christina Bogojevic, who leads the State Patrol, said the effort is about reassurance as well as security.

"Our presence is about more than patrols — it’s about letting the people of Minneapolis know they are not alone," she said.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson echoed that message, calling the loss felt in Minneapolis “a loss across our entire state.”

The DNR’s Enforcement Division will also assist with patrol coverage. “Our conservation officers are committed to working with our fellow law enforcement partners,” said Col. Rodmen Smith of the DNR.

In addition to the patrol presence, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is helping Minneapolis police with the investigation into the Annunciation shooting. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said agents and crime scene teams have been “working round the clock” since the attack and will continue supporting other violent crime investigations in the city.

Walz’s office said the state will continue coordinating with local officials and law enforcement to provide additional resources as needed.

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