NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Reactions from lawmakers, organizations and other community members across Tennessee have poured in following a deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church on Wednesday.
According to Minneapolis police, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were fatally shot in the pews of Annunciation Catholic Church. Fourteen other children and three adults were also injured during the morning Mass.
“Our hearts are broken at the news of the school shooting in Minneapolis. Maria and I ask Tennesseans to join us in praying for the families & entire Annunciation Catholic School community that has been affected by this terrible tragedy,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement via Facebook.
“Brenda’s and my hearts are shattered for all those involved in the senseless and evil shooting at Annunciation Catholic School,” Rep. Church Fleischmann (R-TN) said in a statement on X. “Please join us in praying for the victims, survivors, families, and first responders.
“Our hearts are broken for those involved in the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said in a statement to Facebook. “Praying for the families of the victims and the survivors who experienced such horrific loss and trauma today.”
“Please join me in praying for the victims of the horrific evil that took place at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis this morning,” Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) said in a statement to X.
In a response to Ogles on X, Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) included a photograph of Ogles with his wife and children posing with firearms in front of holiday decorations.
“We need more than prayers, Andy,” Jones added.
Jones’ sentiment was similar to that of Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, who in a statement to X argued that all children should be able to be free from fear of gun violence in school or church.
“Don’t just say we need thoughts and prayers,” Frey’s statement reads in part. “These kids were literally in a church praying. Don’t just think of them just as someone else’s kids. Think of them as your own.”
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“There are no words. My heart breaks for all the families, friends, and the community that has been so welcoming to us this week. I am not a legislator or law maker, but I am a mom, a wife, a neighbor, and a friend. I cannot abide the idea that burying our babies is an acceptable byproduct of being an American,” Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell said in a statement. “This is not the world we deserve nor the world our kids deserve to inherit. Hold your loved ones close. Today we grieve and heal. Tomorrow–we recommit to ending the pain and anguish that reckless gun violence is continuously causing in our communities. Enough is enough, and we won’t stand for this anymore.”
The Diocese of Nashville said that Bishop J. Mark Spalding, who celebrated Mass in the oratory at 11:30 a.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center, offered the Mass for the prayer intention of those killed and injured in the shooting.
“My prayers, and the prayers of the entire Diocese of Nashville, are with all those affected by this tragic event: the victims, their families, the students and staff of Annunciation School, and the entire parish community,” Spalding said in a statement. “In the midst of this darkness, we are called to remember the unwavering light of Christ, who is our hope and our strength, and I invite the faithful to join me in praying the Lord’s Prayer.”
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