White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Condemns Minneapolis Church School Shooting

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 28, 2025 - Today at the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a powerful statement in response to yesterday’s tragic shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church school in Minneapolis. During the first morning Mass of the new school year, a gunman opened fire, killing two children and wounding 14 others, including students and staff.

Leavitt described the attack as “a desecration of a sacred religious service,” labeling the perpetrator “an evil monster” and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting America’s schools, places of worship, and children. She praised the swift action of law enforcement and first responders for their heroic efforts to save lives and called on Congress to enact bipartisan measures aimed at preventing further acts of gun violence.

In her remarks, Leavitt announced that the FBI is investigating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. She said President Trump has directed his national security team to coordinate with federal, state, and local partners, as well as religious organizations, to bolster security protocols at faith-based schools and community centers nationwide. Leavitt concluded by urging lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to “stand up and act now” to ensure that no other family suffers such an atrocity.