Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting: What NY Families Can Learn About Security & Self-Defense

By NY Safe – As New York’s trusted firearms training and personal protection experts, we feel compelled to address the devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed while attending Mass; 17 more were wounded, including 14 children and elderly parishioners. The 23-year-old shooter, Robin M. Westman, fired through church windows before taking his own life. Authorities are investigating this as domestic terrorism and a hate crime.

As parents and citizens, our hearts break. As professionals in personal protection training, we must also ask: what can we learn, and how do we protect our children and communities going forward?

What Happened in Minneapolis

Location: Annunciation Catholic School & Church, Minneapolis, MN
Casualties: Two children killed, 17 others injured (AP News)
Weapons: Rifle, shotgun, and pistol – all legally purchased
Motive: Investigated as hate crime & domestic terrorism (The Sun)

Watch the official press briefing here:
▶ Minneapolis Officials LIVE Update on Shooting

Why This Attack Shakes Us

The shooter never entered the school—he fired from the outside perimeter. This changes how we think about security. It means what happens beyond the doors matters just as much as what happens inside.

Perimeter Security Lessons

Clear sight lines: Trim trees and bushes near windows.
Passive barriers: Bollards, planters, or fencing to prevent vehicle or close-range approaches.
Lighting: Motion-activated exterior lights to reveal threats.
Surveillance: Cameras focused on parking lots, windows, and secluded areas.
Rapid lockdown: Churches and schools must be able to secure quickly.

We teach these principles in our multi-state CCW classes because attackers adapt. We must adapt faster.

Understanding New York Self-Defense Laws

New Yorkers must also know what the law allows:

No Stand-Your-Ground: Unlike other states, NY law requires retreat if safely possible.
Castle Doctrine: You may defend your home, but protections differ in public places.
Proportionality: Force used must match the threat—overreaction can bring charges.

That’s why responsible training matters. Learn the legal, moral, and tactical framework in our licensing classes before you carry.

Parents: What NOT to Do in a School Crisis

When the unthinkable happens, your instincts may push you to act—but sometimes that makes things worse.

Don’t call your child: A ringing phone can reveal their hiding spot.
Don’t call 911 repeatedly: Dispatchers must focus on guiding first responders.
Don’t drive to the scene: You may block ambulances and SWAT vehicles. Imagine your car preventing the EMT who could save your child from reaching them in time.

Instead: wait for official reunification instructions and monitor school or police alerts.

Creating a Family Safety & Communication Plan

Pick a meeting point away from the school.
Designate an out-of-town contact to relay updates.
Use text messages (not calls) to conserve network bandwidth.
Rehearse with your children so they know what to expect.

Consider building a full home safety plan to prepare for crises both inside and outside the school.

Get Involved in Your Community’s Security

Parents can and should take part:

Attend school board and PTA meetings—ask about lockdown drills and security upgrades.
Volunteer for parent watch programs or church security teams.
Fundraise for surveillance, lighting, or training improvements.
Support trauma recovery and personal defense education.

Moving Forward with Compassion and Readiness

We mourn with Minneapolis. As New Yorkers, we must turn pain into preparedness. We owe it to our children not only to grieve, but to build safer schools, stronger families, and better emergency readiness.

If you’d like personal guidance, NY Safe offers classes in multi-state licensing, legal understanding, and personal defense training.

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For legal questions about New York self-defense laws, consult a qualified attorney. NY Safe provides training, not legal services.

Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting: Lessons in Security, Law & Family Safety