Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday visited Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis to honour victims of last week’s mass shooting that left two children dead and 21 others injured. The solemn visit, however, was marked by protests across the street, where demonstrators waved pride flags and heckled him with chants of “do better” and “you’re a coward.”
Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, paused briefly at a statue of the Virgin Mary before entering the church, where he met families of victims. He later told reporters the experience was “heartbreaking but also gratifying,” noting that grieving parents shared stories of their children’s lives, hopes, and dreams.
“I have never had a day that will stay with me like this one,” Vance said. “We should talk less about the shooter and more about these kids. Their lives were cut short, and that should be the focus.”
Police identified the gunman as 23-year-old Robin Westman , who opened fire during a school Mass with three legally purchased firearms. Court records show Westman, born Robert, changed names in 2019. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the shooter’s identity.
Protesters outside the church carried signs reading “protect kids not guns,” underscoring frustrations over gun violence. Conservative columnist Dustin Grage criticised the demonstration online, calling it “tone-deaf.”
Vance, a practising Catholic, urged prayers for those still hospitalised and pledged to push for policies that address the root causes of such attacks. “One of the ways I’ll honour these parents is by being a better dad,” he said. “There are families who will never again get that chance.”
Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, paused briefly at a statue of the Virgin Mary before entering the church, where he met families of victims. He later told reporters the experience was “heartbreaking but also gratifying,” noting that grieving parents shared stories of their children’s lives, hopes, and dreams.
“I have never had a day that will stay with me like this one,” Vance said. “We should talk less about the shooter and more about these kids. Their lives were cut short, and that should be the focus.”
VP Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance lay flowers at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis in remembrance of the victims of last week’s shooting. pic.twitter.com/4AmXFmhx0v
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) September 3, 2025
Police identified the gunman as 23-year-old Robin Westman , who opened fire during a school Mass with three legally purchased firearms. Court records show Westman, born Robert, changed names in 2019. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the shooter’s identity.
Protesters outside the church carried signs reading “protect kids not guns,” underscoring frustrations over gun violence. Conservative columnist Dustin Grage criticised the demonstration online, calling it “tone-deaf.”
Vance, a practising Catholic, urged prayers for those still hospitalised and pledged to push for policies that address the root causes of such attacks. “One of the ways I’ll honour these parents is by being a better dad,” he said. “There are families who will never again get that chance.”
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