Minneapolis School Shooting: Mobile Archdiocese issues statement; Gov. Kay Ivey orders flags lowered

Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile – Photo from the Archdiocese of Mobile

The Archdiocese of Mobile has issued a statement in response to the mass shooting at a Roman Catholic school in Minneapolis, while Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags lowered in memory of the victims.

This morning, a gunman opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Roman Catholic church and struck a group of children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 people. Police believe the gunman then killed himself.

Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile has released this statement:

“Our hearts are greatly disturbed and saddened by the horrific events today at Annunciation Parish and Catholic Schools in Minneapolis. This horrific tragedy affects everyone, but especially Catholics throughout our country.

“As members of one Church, what affects one archdiocese affects us all. I ask that we pray for everyone in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis and especially for the families affected by this unimaginable suffering.

“The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Mobile will be particularly joined in prayer with our brothers and sisters in Minnesota, and will continue to stress the safety of all in our Catholic schools.”

Gov. Kay Ivey issued an order that all flags be lowered to half-staff at the Alabama Capitol complex and throughout the state until sunset on Sunday, August 31. President Trump has issued a similar order throughout the nation.