In an intensive care unit at Hennepin County Medical Center, 11-year-old Genevieve Bisek is receiving support in the form of handmade cards from her classmates, following a tragic shooting incident at a Minneapolis church. The attack occurred during a Mass at the Church of Annunciation on Wednesday, where Genevieve was among the 20 individuals shot, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries, predominantly among children. Her condition has improved, moving from critical to satisfactory.
Her aunt, Wanda Stipek, expressed gratitude for the heartfelt cards adorned with beads and stars, stating, “All of these handmade cards are just absolutely adorable and heartfelt.” The cards are displayed on the walls of Genevieve's hospital room, allowing her to feel surrounded by love and compassion from her peers, who themselves are grappling with their own trauma.
The shooting, executed by 23-year-old Robin Westman, involved 116 rifle rounds fired through the church’s stained-glass windows. Among the victims were students from the nearby Annunciation Catholic School, where Genevieve is a sixth grader. The shooter took his own life following the assault. On Saturday, at least seven victims were still hospitalized, including five children—four in satisfactory condition and one in critical—as well as an adult in serious condition.
After the incident, Genevieve was conscious and was assessed alongside other injured children to understand their conditions before being transported to the hospital in an ambulance. Stipek shared that, upon waking from sedation, Genevieve’s immediate concern was for the other children affected by the tragedy. She poignantly remarked, “I can’t say that I wish this wouldn’t have happened to me because I don’t want it to have happened to anyone else either.” Stipek revealed that Genevieve is unaware of the identities of those who died, including her neighbor and friend, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel.
The community's support has been substantial, with handmade cards and other gestures of sympathy, such as ribbons adorning trees and online donations, all aiding the family in their healing process. Stipek noted the importance of recognizing the goodness in people amidst such darkness. “All of those things show the love and support, and all of it helps us know that there’s goodness out there,” she stated, reflecting on how community kindness fosters recovery.
During a Mass held in the Annunciation school auditorium on Saturday night, Rev. Dennis Zehren spoke to a gathered audience of hope and resilience, stating, “We welcome the light of a new day here at Annunciation.” He emphasized that even in the depths of grief and tragedy, divine light can shine brighter. His message is a reminder that in the face of overwhelming darkness, hope remains a transformative power.
This tragic incident has left an indelible mark on the community, striking at the heart of a space meant for unity and celebration. Yet, through collective compassion and support, there is a glimmer of hope for healing as the community remembers those lost and continues to support the survivors in their recovery journey.
