Vance Heckled by Protesters During Visit to MN Church Shooting Site
Vice President JD Vance visited Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday to pay his respects to the victims of last week’s deadly mass shooting, but his visit was met with vocal protests.
Vance and his wife, Usha, stood quietly before a statue of the Virgin Mary outside the church before entering to meet with survivors and grieving families. Across the street, demonstrators held signs reading “protect kids not guns” and waved a rainbow flag with transgender colors. Shouts of “protect our kids,” “you’re a coward,” and “do better” rang out as the vice president arrived. Conservative commentator Dustin Grage criticized the demonstration online, calling the protest “tone-deaf.”
Authorities have identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who carried a rifle, pistol, and shotgun, all legally obtained. Two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—were killed, and 21 others were injured during the school Mass on Aug. 27. Court records show Westman was born Robert and legally changed his name to Robin in 2019. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the investigation is treating the attack as domestic terrorism with anti-religious motives.
After the visit, Vance spoke to reporters, calling the day both “heartbreaking” and “gratifying.” He shared that the families opened up to him about their children, describing the experience as deeply moving.
Vance emphasized focusing on the victims rather than the shooter. He described Harper as a “beautiful young girl” proud of receiving her first communion and Fletcher as “a very rambunctious and energetic kid” with “an incredible head of hair.”