Local community reacts to Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
Kendall Flynn
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Two children are dead and 17 other people are injured, including 14 children and three adults, after a shooting at a Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Valley is home to numerous Catholic schools and churches, like the Saint Cecilia Catholic Community and the Diocese of San Bernardino, who said they are praying for families at this time.
“It’s just this feeling of impotence that we all free frustrated about not being able to do something about it,” Bishop Alberto Rojas with the Diocese said. “But I’ve been praying and feeling sorry and praying for the victims and for the people to find a solution to these issues.”
The Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter was armed with a riles, shotgun and pistol. They approached the side of the church and shot through the windows as children sat in the pews, during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.
The Diocese of San Bernardino tells News Channel 3 there is a state mandate for active shooter training in schools. The Diocese oversees the Catholic schools and parishes in the Valley, and they say teachers, children and parents received training every two years.
Even with the training officials said it’s still a difficult situation as they never know when they will occur. For small churches like Saint Cecilia they rely on faith.
“We have very little resources. We can’t afford a security guard. And we more of less trust common sense and trust God,” Pastor David Justin Lynch said. “I’m hoping everyone here is safe and that all the pastors at the various churches will take seriously their responsibility to keep their congregation safe.”
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local Catholic leaders about their message to the community at this time and how they are leaning into their faith.