With the latest episode of US school shootings casting a dark shadow on the US, US President Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel and other key officials have lined up their heartbreaking reactions to the tragedy at the hand.

On Wednesday (US time), two children (of ages 8 and 10) were fatally shot in a church at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Authorities have since named 23-year-old Robin Westman as the suspected shooter, whose shooting spree also led to the 17 other people being left injured. Since the emergence of these details, police are looking into a possible motive that spurred the alleged shooter to do what they did this week, scarring young lives forever.

US officials further revealed that Westman had planned beforehand to release what they’re calling a “manifesto” on YouTube ahead of the shooting on Wednesday. The video in question sheds light on multiple weapons with concerning messages etched on them. The legible writings pointed to the suspect’s racist and antisemitic mindset. Targeting numerous religious groups, the person had reportedly also scrawled “Kill Donald Trump” on a rifle magazine. On top of that, Westman is also believed to have been obsessed with mass shootings, mass killers and all the troubling paraphernalia associated with such violent and life-changing undertakings.

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Consequently, major reactions from across the US have poured in, as politicians, lawmakers and other crucial personnel alike have condemned the “senseless act of violence” in Minnesota. Here’s how Trump, Obama, Biden, Kash Patel, Pope and others responded to the shooting:

Donald Trump

The US president initially wrote on Truth Social: “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”

Subsequently, the official White House account on social media announced that Trump had ordered all flags of the US to be flown at half-staff at the White House and all other such public buildings and grounds in the wake of the violence witnessed in Minneapolis this week.

“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, August 31, 2025,” read the official notice.

“I also direct that the flag shall be flow at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

“We have confirmation that the shooter at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN was a 22 year-old man, claiming to be transgender,” she wrote on X.

“This deranged monster targeted our most vulnerable: young children praying in their first morning Mass of the school year. This deeply sick murderer scrawled the words ‘For the Children’ and ‘Where is your God?’ and ‘Kill Donald Trump’ on a rifle magazine.

“This level of violence is unthinkable. Our deepest prayers are with the children, parents, families, educators, and Christians everywhere. We mourn with them, we pray for healing, and we will never forget them.”

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FBI Director Kash Patel

Sharing an update on the investigation, the Indian-origin Trump admin official wrote on X, “The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”

Vivek Ramaswamy

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who is currently running for the post of Ohio governor shared his thoughts on X. “Very sad news today. Prayers for heroic young Victor & everyone else affected by the horrific shooting,” he said in reference to a child named-Victor protecting his friend amid the shootout.

Former President Barack Obama

The Democrat leader said, “We can’t allow ourselves to become numb to mass shootings.” Calling the Minneapolis incident “heartbreaking,” Obama added that he and former First Lady Michelle Obama were praying for all those parents who have lost a child “or will be sitting at their hospital bedside after yet another act of unspeakable, unnecessary violence.”

Former President Joe Biden

Similarly, Trump’s predecessor said he and former first lady Dr Jill Biden also expressed they were “heartbroken” after the Minnesota shooting. “No parent should ever have to bury their child,” he wrote on X, adding that no words could ever quantify such a “horrific and painful moment.”

He continued, “With all our hearts, we are praying for the victims, their families, and the community of Minneapolis.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris

The former Democratic presidential nominee noted that the beginning of a new school year was “marred by yet another act of senseless gun violence.” Branding mass shootings as “a “traumatic experience that has affected far too many Americans,” she revealed that she had spoken to her former running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, to share her grief for the families afflicted by the incident.

Extending gratitude for the first responders and law enforcement, she quoted Mayor Jacob Frey saying, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.” Harris concluded the tweet: “We know the solutions. Our leaders must have the courage to act to stop these tragedies.”

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Pope Leo XIV

Sending his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness” to those impacted by the “terrible tragedy.” Moreover, a telegram to Archbishop Bernard A Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said, “while commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God, His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones,”

As detailed by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website, the papal messaged continued, “At this extremely difficult time, the Holy Father imparts to the Annunciation Catholic School community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area his apostolic blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus.”

More reactions will be added.