Bullet Fragment Found in Boy’s Neck After Minneapolis Church Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — Families of children wounded in last week’s Annunciation Church shooting are sharing harrowing updates about their injuries and remarkable stories of courage. Among the most troubling revelations: a bullet fragment was discovered lodged in a young boy’s neck, dangerously close to his carotid artery.

10-Year-Old Faces Surgery

Weston Halsne, 10, initially appeared to escape with no physical wounds, even speaking to reporters about the attack. Days later, doctors confirmed that he will need surgery to remove a bullet fragment from his neck, a fragment lodged just inches from a vital artery.

His aunt, Allison Hawes, wrote on a fundraising page, “You’ve been amazed by his quick wit, awed by his persistence, and charmed by his earnestness. In spite of everything, this 10-year-old boy was able to express appreciation for his friends and pray for their recovery.”

Children Protecting Each Other

Weston also revealed that his friend, Victor Greenawalt, shielded him by laying on top of him during the gunfire, taking bullets himself in the process. Victor’s uncle described his nephew’s actions as “selfless acts” that saved lives, though both he and his sister were wounded and face a long recovery.

Other Victims Fighting to Recover

The shooting claimed the lives of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Sixteen other children were injured, several critically:

• Genevieve Bisek, 11, was shot in the neck and remains in uncertain condition.
• Sophia Forchas, 12, is in critical condition at HCMC, where her mother works as a nurse.
• Lydia Kaiser, 12, was gravely wounded while protecting her “little buddy.”
• Endre Gunter, 13, was shot twice but displayed remarkable composure, asking his doctor to pray with him before surgery.
• Vivian St. Clair, 9, was shot in her back and arm but managed to run for safety.
• David Haeg, 6, is recovering after surgery and remains in intensive care.
• Astoria Safe, 10, was grazed by a bullet and still carries a fragment in her forehead but insisted on helping pull other children to safety.

Community Response

Families and supporters have launched numerous fundraising campaigns to help cover mounting medical expenses. At memorials outside the church, handwritten signs have thanked the children who risked their own safety to protect classmates.

Ongoing Trauma

The community continues to reel from the shooting, which occurred during the first Mass of the school year. Parents, teachers, and students are grappling not only with physical injuries but also with lasting emotional trauma.

Do you believe Minnesota lawmakers should act quickly on new gun safety legislation in the wake of this church shooting? Share your thoughts with the community at FatCityFeed.com.