Abbott, Casar, Texas Officials Respond to Minneapolis Catholic School Tragedy

Texas officials shared their sorrow and support on Wednesday following a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis that resulted in the loss of two young lives and left 17 others injured.

Governor Greg Abbott described the attack as “horrific and heartbreaking” in a social media post, extending prayers to the victims and their families. “Cecilia and I are holding in our thoughts the families who have suffered the loss of innocent children, those who have been injured, and the entire community as they navigate this heartbreaking situation,” Abbott stated. He has directed that state flags be lowered until Aug. 31, following a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump.

An incident took place at Annunciation Catholic School, prompting an investigation by the FBI as a potential act of domestic terrorism.

Religious leaders also expressed condolences in Texas. The Very Rev. James A. Misko, serving as the diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Austin, has called on Catholics to offer their prayers for the community in Minneapolis. At a routine Mass held at the Diocese’s Pastoral Center, he expressed a heartfelt intention for the victims and their families. “We deeply empathize with the families affected at this school,” Misko stated.

Several Congress members from Texas have also reacted to the shooting. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, expressed his support for Minneapolis and highlighted the importance of enhanced protections. “Individuals have the right to feel secure in their neighborhoods,” Casar stated on X. “A future free from gun violence is not only achievable—it is essential.”

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, representing Austin, shared a similar perspective, drawing attention to the timing surrounding the tragedy. “As the school year begins, students in Minneapolis are confronted with a tragic school shooting that will have lasting effects on their lives.”Attending class should not come with such dire consequences,” he expressed.

Rep. Sylvia Garcia from the Houston area, representing the Democratic party, called for immediate measures to avert future incidents of gun violence. “It is essential for children to feel secure in their educational environments and in their places of worship.” “This cannot be considered normal,” she stated.

Republican Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows described the incident as “heartbreaking,” expressing that Texans were “sending prayers for the victims, their families, and the entire community.”

Trump has proclaimed at the national level, ordering all flags at public properties and military posts to fly at half-staff. He urged Americans to remember and pray for the Minneapolis community.

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