A recent tragic event at Annunciation Catholic Church has brought to light remarkable acts of heroism among those who were directly impacted. A health care supervisor went above and beyond when victims started arriving at the hospital following a shooting that left two children dead and several others wounded.
Trauma surgeon Dr. Jon Gayken, who works at Hennepin Healthcare, recounted a particular incident that showed the lengths to which some individuals went to provide comfort during a crisis. “One of the victims came in and in the emergency department — this was a nurse manager from another unit,” he explained. Although she was not on duty for trauma cases, she immediately noticed one child who was scared and alone amidst the chaos. Without hesitating, she entered the CT scanner room, which posed a risk of radiation exposure. “She put a little lead on and stayed there and held her hand and held her hair while she went through the scanner, so she didn’t have to go through it alone,” Dr. Gayken said. This simple yet profound act of kindness exemplifies the human spirit in even the darkest times.
In addition to the staff’s dedication, Hennepin EMS Chief Marty Scheerer highlighted the bravery displayed by children from Annunciation School. Scheerer remarked on the “unrecognized heroes” who instinctively protected one another when gunfire erupted. “I might be saying too much, but we had one kid that covered up another kid and took a shotgun blast to his back,” he noted. This selfless act of shielding a peer speaks volumes about the courage and maturity of young individuals in the face of peril, echoing the sentiments of many parents and educators who witnessed the event.
Among those reflecting on the bravery of the children was Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matthew DeBoer. He stated that lives were undoubtedly saved through the actions of these unsung heroes. “Adults were protecting children, older children were protecting younger children,” DeBoer said. His words reinforce the communal bond that can emerge in desperate situations—a testament to the resolve and character of the human heart.
Parents of students, like Michael Burt, described how pre-established safety practices contributed to saving lives. “A buddy system that was part of the school culture saved lives,” Burt said. This system allowed older students to aid younger ones during such a terrifying event. When gunfire erupted, those in middle school immediately sprang into action, covering their younger friends. “The first action by those middle schoolers was to push their buddies down under the pew,” Burt recounted, underscoring how ingrained teachings and traditions played a pivotal role in crisis moments.
Ultimately, these harrowing events reveal not just the chaos of violence but also the unwavering courage that emerges from individuals who refuse to let fear override their instinct to protect and care for one another. Through the actions of health care workers, students, and educators, a valuable lesson about selflessness in times of crisis shines through, reminding us of the strength of community and humanity itself.
"*" indicates required fields
