Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance traveled to Minneapolis to pay respects to the victims of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, laying flowers at the church and meeting with families affected by the tragedy. The visit followed a deeply emotional encounter with parents of children injured or killed in the attack, including Leah and Harry Kaiser, whose daughter Lydia survived but remains hospitalized.

Leah Kaiser addressed Vance, expressing anguish over the loss of two other children, Harper Moiske and Fletcher Merkle, while urging him to prioritize unity and action on gun violence. “This is what the people of the United States will hold you accountable to,” she said, referencing a prayer inscribed at the scene. Harry Kaiser, a gym teacher at the school, implored Vance to support legislative efforts to address cultural issues contributing to mass shootings, proposing an “Annunciation Bill” as a potential solution.

Vance described the meetings as profoundly impactful, stating, “I have NEVER had a day that will stay with me like this day did.” He acknowledged the grief of families who lost children, including 10-year-old Weston Halsne, who survived but remains in recovery, and Sophia Forchas, who is critically ill. Vance called for continued prayers for Sophia and emphasized the need to honor the lives of those lost, highlighting the impact of Harper and Fletcher’s short lives.

The visit concluded with Vance urging focus on the victims rather than the perpetrator, while families shared heartfelt reflections on their children’s legacies.