The suspected school shooter and killer, Robin Westman, opened fire indiscriminately at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of several students, what could have been a devastating tragedy ended with far fewer casualties than feared.
The buddy system
When gunfire erupted at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday, panic swept through the pews. Yet amid the chaos, the courage of the children proved crucial.
Middle school students, many paired with younger classmates through the school’s “buddy system,” sprang into action as the shooter fired indiscriminately through the church. Older students shielded the younger ones—sometimes lying on top of them or guiding them under the pews—while teachers helped shepherd children to safety.