Survivor of Minn. School Shooting, 13, Identified and Out of Surgery

One of the 17 survivors of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis has been identified as 13-year-old Endre Gunter.

Gunter was struck in the stomach on Wednesday, Aug. 27, when suspected gunman Robin Westman allegedly opened fire on the church’s windows during a back-to-school Mass.

Speaking with CNN, Gunter’s mother said her son was praying with classmates inside the church when he was hit. A Minneapolis police officer stayed by his side, providing aid and comfort until paramedics arrived. “He said the officer rendered aid, hugged him, reassured him, and prayed with him before getting into the ambulance,” she recounted.

Gunter underwent surgery at the hospital and is now recovering. His family says they are focused on helping him “rebuild his life, his trust, and his confidence.”

“We pray that everyone touched by this tragedy can find the strength to begin rebuilding too,” his mother added.

Authorities confirmed that 14 children, ages 6 to 15, were among the wounded, along with three elderly parishioners in their 80s. Two children — an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old — were killed. Their names have not yet been released.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound behind the church. Investigators report that Westman had no prior criminal history, and while a motive remains under investigation, O’Hara revealed that Westman had scheduled a manifesto to go live on YouTube. The video, later removed by federal agents, allegedly showed him at the scene and contained “disturbing writings.” Authorities say Westman fired multiple weapons, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

In the aftermath, survivors have begun sharing their experiences. A 10-year-old student told NBC affiliate KARE that his friend shielded him from gunfire. “My friend Victor, like saved me, though, because he laid on top of me, but he got hit,” said Weston Halsne, who ran for cover under a pew.

Another parent, Vincent Francoual, told MSNBC that his 11-year-old daughter Chloe was inside the church when the shots were fired. “It was very emotional. She saw me first, and she just cried,” he said, explaining that she now feels guilty for not being able to help more classmates. “She thought she was going to die today.”

Chief O’Hara told CNN that while several of the injured children have already been released from the hospital, others remain under care. “They had a range of injuries,” he said. “One, I believe, was like a graze wound from a gunshot — all the way to some very, very serious and life-threatening injuries that thankfully they are expected to survive from.”