On August 27, 2025, the Minneapolis community was rocked by a horrific mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where a gunman opened fire during a morning Mass, killing two children, aged 8 and 10, and injuring 17 others, including 14 children. The tragedy, which unfolded just miles from the Minnesota Lynx’s Target Center, prompted an emotional and raw response from Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. In a press conference, Reeve, a prominent figure in the WNBA and a vocal advocate for social change, made a painful admission that struck a chord across the nation: “The sad thing is we can’t sit here and tell them that help is on the way, because we’re not going to do a damn thing about it.” Her words, laced with frustration and despair, reflect the anguish of a community and a country grappling with yet another act of senseless gun violence.

The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, which shares its campus with the school, a faith-based institution serving students from preschool through eighth grade. The assailant, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at the school, approached the church’s exterior and fired dozens of rounds through the stained-glass windows, targeting children and parishioners gathered for a back-to-school Mass. Armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman unleashed a barrage that left 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and a jammed handgun round at the scene. The attack ended with Westman’s death by suicide, leaving behind a community shattered by loss and trauma.

Reeve, speaking to reporters during a Lynx practice session, struggled to find words to convey her grief. “I texted my mom, saying, ‘You know, mom, when we would go to school, we trained for tornadoes. Kids today train for active shooters,’” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “It’s such an indictment of our society, our lack of regard for life.” Her admission captured the stark contrast between her childhood, when school drills prepared for natural disasters, and the grim reality for today’s children, who practice hiding from gunfire. The 58-year-old coach, known for her fierce competitiveness and outspokenness, did not hold back, condemning the nation’s inaction on gun violence. “There are things we can do about it, and we don’t, but for some reason as Americans, we value something different. It’s sickening, it’s sad for the kids.”

The tragedy hit particularly close to home for Reeve, whose team plays just a few miles from Annunciation. The Lynx, a powerhouse in the WNBA with four championships under Reeve’s leadership, issued a joint statement with the Minnesota Timberwolves, expressing heartbreak and solidarity. “We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic shooting that occurred this morning during a school mass in our Minneapolis community,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and everyone whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence. No child should ever feel unsafe in a place of learning or worship.” Reeve’s personal connection to the community amplified her anguish, as she noted the fear parents now face when dropping their children off at school. “It’s sad for the kids to walk through the door and not know what’s going to happen,” she said.

The shooting, the 44th school shooting in the U.S. in 2025, unfolded in a place meant to be a sanctuary, intensifying the sense of violation felt by the community. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “heinous and cowardly,” noting that Westman fired through narrow windows without entering the church, targeting children they could not see. The locked doors, a school protocol, likely saved lives by preventing Westman from entering, but the devastation was profound. The two children killed, identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Alexander Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Lillian Moyski, died in the pews, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners were wounded. All survivors are expected to recover, though some remain in critical condition.

Reeve’s remarks echoed the sentiments of many in Minneapolis and beyond, who are exhausted by the cycle of thoughts and prayers with little action. Her frustration was palpable as she highlighted the lack of progress on gun violence prevention, particularly at the federal level. “The sad thing is we can’t sit here and tell them that help is on the way,” she reiterated, her words a searing critique of a society that, in her view, prioritizes other values over human lives. Reeve’s comments were not new; just two months earlier, she had spoken emotionally about the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, calling it “pretty meaningless” and a sign of a nation in crisis. The recurrence of such violence in her community deepened her resolve to speak out.

The bravery of those at Annunciation stood out amid the horror. Teachers and staff shielded students, guiding them under pews to safety. A 10-year-old survivor, Weston Halsne, recounted how a friend protected him, taking a bullet in the back. Neighbors like Pat Scallen rushed to the scene, comforting injured children until medics arrived. Minneapolis police evacuated the school swiftly, while hospitals like Hennepin County Medical Center and Children’s Minnesota treated the wounded, with four children requiring surgery. The community’s response was immediate, with vigils at Lynnhurst Park and the Academy of Holy Angels drawing thousands. Mourners, many wearing red to support gun violence prevention, lit candles and shared prayers led by Archbishop Bernard Hebda, who read a condolence message from Pope Leo XIV.

Reeve’s outspokenness aligns with her history of advocacy. As a coach who has led the Lynx to multiple titles, she has used her platform to address social issues, from racial justice to gender equality. Her comments on the shooting resonated with other Minnesota sports figures, including former Lynx player Paige Bueckers, now with the Dallas Wings, who called for stricter gun laws. “I hope parents don’t have to worry about sending their kids to school or attending church,” Bueckers said. New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, a Minnesota native, also condemned the violence, reflecting a collective call for change among athletes.

The shooting has reignited debates over gun control, with Westman’s legally purchased weapons fueling demands for reform. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, rejecting “thoughts and prayers” rhetoric, declared, “Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not about the guns because it is.” Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, are pushing for a ban on assault rifles, citing the 286 mass shootings recorded in the U.S. in 2025 alone. The tragedy follows other violent incidents in Minnesota, including Hortman’s assassination, amplifying the urgency for action.

For Annunciation, the road to healing is daunting. Principal Matt DeBoer, addressing mourners, apologized for the tragedy and urged collective action, saying, “Pray with our feet.” Parents like Vincent Francoual, whose daughter survived, spoke of her trauma: “She thought she was going to die.” The community has rallied, with local businesses providing meals and counselors offering support at a family assistance center. Governor Tim Walz, a former teacher, vowed that Minnesota would stand by the affected families, while President Donald Trump ordered flags at half-staff until August 31.

Reeve’s painful admission encapsulates the frustration of a nation tired of mourning. Her words, raw and unfiltered, challenge society to confront its failures and act to protect its children. As Minneapolis grieves, the community’s unity—seen in candlelit vigils and shared resolve—offers a glimmer of hope. But Reeve’s message lingers: without meaningful change, the promise of safety for the next generation remains elusive.