Bullet Fragment Found ‘Lodged’ in Neck of 10-Year-Old Catholic School Shooting Survivor Whose Friend ‘Saved’ Him

Weston Halsne, a 10-year-old student at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, survived last week’s mass shooting thanks to his friend, who shielded him from gunfire. But doctors have since found a bullet fragment lodged in Weston’s neck, and he now needs surgery.

In an interview after the attack — which left two children dead and 18 others wounded — Weston said his friend Victor saved him.

“My friend Victor, like saved me, though, because he laid on top of me, but he got hit,” Weston told NBC affiliate KARE 11.

A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help with Weston’s medical expenses explained that the bullet fragment is dangerously close to his carotid artery, making the upcoming surgery critical.

The fundraiser also shared a more personal side of Weston, showing photos of him fishing, smiling in a basketball uniform, and a note from his aunt.

“If you’ve met my nephew, Weston, you know his love of basketball, being with friends, and enjoying a candy or two,” his aunt Allison Hawes wrote. “You’ve been amazed by his quick wit, awed by his persistence, and charmed by his earnestness. If you’ve been watching the news, you’ve seen his grief-stricken face and heard, despite his shock, Weston’s account of the horrific details during the mass at Annunciation Church.”

She added, “In spite of everything, this 10-year-old boy was able to express appreciation for his friends and pray for their recovery.”

As of Sunday, Aug. 31, Weston’s fundraiser has collected more than $33,000 of its $40,000 goal. The donations will help cover medical bills, trauma counseling, and support for his family.

Another GoFundMe campaign was also launched for Victor, the boy who protected Weston. That fundraiser surpassed its $300,000 goal, and an update posted Friday, Aug. 29, said Victor is now out of the hospital and recovering with his family. Still, it noted there is “a long road ahead of healing for our family and the community.”

The shooting happened on the morning of Aug. 27, during the first Mass of the school year at Annunciation Catholic School. Two students — 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel — were killed.

Authorities said 18 others were wounded, most of them students. Three parishioners in their 80s were also injured, though officials said all are expected to survive.

Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at Annunciation. He died by suicide in the school parking lot after the attack.