PHOTOS: JD Vance, Second Lady Visit Annunciation Catholic Church In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday to meet with families of victims of last week’s school-year mass shooting.

The shooting killed two schoolchildren and injured 21 people. The attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired 116 rifle rounds through stained-glass windows during the first Mass of the school year. He later died by suicide.

The White House said the Vances held a series of private meetings with families "to convey condolences." They stood in front of a memorial outside the church and placed bouquets among the many flowers already left.

Read more:

Annunciation Catholic School Shooting: Pope Leo XIV Calls For End To ‘Pandemic Of Arms’

Here’s How To Donate To Families, Victims Of Annunciation Catholic School Shooting

Some demonstrators gathered across the street, holding signs calling for bans on assault weapons. One read, "Pro-Life = Pro-Gun Safety." Another said, "When you pray, move your feet."

Kacie Sharpe, whose 8-year-old son was seated near one of the children killed, told the Associated Press: "Nothing is happening. And it keeps happening over and over and over — and nothing changes. And it’s the most helpless feeling in the world to know that you can’t send your kids to school and have them be safe."

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis said he was not invited to the event but welcomed the vice president’s visit.

Westman had ties to the parish. His mother once worked at the church, and he attended the school as a child. Investigators said he left behind writings expressing hate toward many — including President Donald Trump — but admiration for mass killers.

Annunciation Catholic Church has not announced when classes will resume or when the church will be reconsecrated. Masses were held in the school gym last weekend.

Annunciation Catholic School Shooting: Pope Leo XIV Calls For End To ‘Pandemic Of Arms’

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.