A Minneapolis father says a twist of fate kept his son out of harm’s way during Wednesday’s tragic Catholic school shooting.
He explained that his child stayed home with a broken arm — an injury he now calls “the luckiest broken arm in the history of the world.”
Fox 9 Minneapolis reporter Corin Hoggard shared the father’s story and grew emotional while holding up a paper airplane the student had made for him as a thank-you for covering the scene. “I was just shocked,” Hoggard admitted, describing the small gesture as “so touching.”
Authorities confirmed that two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others wounded during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School just before 8:30 a.m., according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. Fourteen of those injured were children, and two remain in critical condition.
The school community had gathered to celebrate its first Mass of the year when gunfire erupted. The shooter reportedly used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, firing through the church’s windows at children and parishioners. Several of the injured are still being treated at local hospitals.
Police believe the suspect, a man in his early 20s, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Chief O’Hara said investigators are still working to determine whether he had any ties to the school. A motive has not yet been established.
Mayor Jacob Frey spoke forcefully at a press conference, rejecting platitudes. “Don’t just say it’s about thoughts and prayers, these kids were literally praying,” he said. “These are kids who should be learning with their friends, playing on the playground, and able to go to school or church in peace.”
