Key takeaways
• Ten-year-old Weston Halsne was two seats from the stained-glass windows when gunfire erupted.
• His friend Victor saved him by laying on top of him and took a bullet.
• They only practiced safety drills at school, not in their church pews.
• Police arrived quickly and helped protect the students.
• Weston sends prayers and hopes his injured classmates heal soon.
How the school shooting unfolded
It was a calm morning at Annunciation Catholic School when chaos hit. Students had just finished a prayer service in the church. Then sudden shots rang out near the stained-glass windows. Weston Halsne recalls feeling confused. “I thought it was just something,” he said. However, when he heard the second shot, he dropped under the pew. Right beside him, the pew shook with each bullet.
Chaos in the church pews
Immediately, children scrambled for cover. Weston ran under the same pew as his friend Victor. He remembers feeling gunpowder hit his neck. Then he realized how close the bullets were. Other students dove under benches and covered their heads. It all happened in seconds, but it felt like forever. Despite the shock, Weston stayed calm. He had practiced drills before, yet nothing prepared him for this real threat.
A heroic act from a friend
While bullets flew, Victor lay on top of Weston. He shielded him with his own body. In that moment, Victor became a true hero. Sadly, he took a bullet in his side. Weston heard his friend cry out in pain. Then he felt Victor’s weight shift as medics arrived. Doctors rushed Victor to a hospital. Weston later learned his friend underwent surgery but was stable. He calls Victor brave and hopes he recovers soon.
Safety drills versus reality
Weston explained that they had practiced drills at school. Each month, they would hide beneath their desks. They never practiced inside their church pews. Therefore, when real bullets hit their church, everything felt different. “It was super scary,” he said. He covered his head and kept still. Thankfully, the pews provided some shield. However, fewer hiding spots made the fear worse. This event showed how practice can only do so much.
Law enforcement steps in
Police arrived within minutes of the first shot. They secured the church and helped the students exit safely. Weston praised the officers for their quick action. “They did a good job,” he said. Once outside, paramedics checked each child’s wounds. Some students had minor cuts from flying debris. Victor received the most serious treatment. As the community watched, officers guided frightened kids to their parents. Their calm leadership saved lives.
Messages of prayer and hope
After the ordeal, Weston wanted to share a message. He said, “I hope you’re okay, and I’m praying for you.” He remembered his classmates who went to the hospital. He wished them well and promised to pray each day. Then he asked others to pray too. He believes faith helped him stay calm under the pew. Moreover, he hopes the community will come together to heal.
Thinking about safety after tragedy
This school shooting reminds us that danger can strike anywhere. Weston’s story shows how courage and quick thinking can save lives. It also highlights the limits of routine drills. Communities must adapt safety plans for every space. Churches, auditoriums, cafeterias and gyms all need clear procedures. Furthermore, children need age-appropriate training that feels real. Only then can they respond calmly if danger arrives again.
A community united in support
Since the shooting, local families organized prayer vigils. Volunteers brought snacks and blankets to waiting rooms. Teachers offered counseling to every student. Neighbors placed signs of hope around their homes. People from all over sent letters and drawings to the injured. Each gesture reminded Weston and his friends that they are not alone. As healing begins, the city stands together against violence.
Looking ahead with resilience
Weston has returned to school, but he admits worries linger. He still hears echoes of those shots in his mind. However, he also remembers Victor’s bravery. That memory gives him strength each morning. He plans to share his story with other students. He wants them to know how to stay calm and look out for each other. In time, he believes hope will outshine fear.
Questions families should ask
Parents now wonder how to keep kids safe at any facility. They can check local safety plans for churches and schools. They should update drills to cover new spaces. They can talk about what to do if evacuation is not possible. Most importantly, families must stay calm and supportive. Open conversations about fear and bravery help children cope.
Lessons for every community
This tragic event teaches that drills must match real spaces. It also shows how one brave action can protect many. Lastly, it reminds us that quick police response matters. By combining proper planning, community support and courage, we can face the unthinkable. Together, we can ensure that stories like Weston’s inspire safety and hope, not fear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened during the shooting?
A shooter opened fire in a church service at Annunciation Catholic School. Children dived under pews to escape. A friend shielded a 10-year-old and saved his life.
How did Weston stay safe?
He dropped under a pew, covered his head and stayed still. His friend Victor lay on top of him to protect him.
Did they practice drills before?
Yes, they did monthly drills at school. However, they never practiced in their church pews, which made the real event feel different.
What can communities learn from this event?
They can update safety drills to cover all spaces. They can train for different scenarios. They can also support each other through prayer and community events.