Tragedy in Minneapolis Enhances School Safety at Charlotte Catholic

On the morning of August 27, tragedy struck the city of Minneapolis. At 8:30 a.m., shots were fired through the stained glass windows at Annunciation Catholic Church during their first all school mass of the year. The attack took the lives of two children, aged 8 and 10, and left 15 children and three adults hospitalized. This event sent shockwaves across America, causing parents to ask whether their children were safe in their own schools.

Within the first few hours of the shooting, the news of the devastation spread rapidly. At Charlotte Catholic, campus ministry quickly responded. In an email sent to the entire school, Father Chinonso wrote, “We join Annunciation Catholic Church and the School, and the rest of the country in praying for the repose of their souls, recovery of the injured victims, safety of the students, faculty and parents, and conversion of sinners.”

As the tragedy unfolded in Minneapolis, Charlotte Catholic students were attending Mass at school. This coincidence drives home the message that we should remember that while we cannot be there ourselves, we can remember to keep the victims and their families in our prayers.

Two hours after the first email was sent, Principal Kurt Telford sent an email regarding the shooting. He said, “I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority.” Mr. Telford, along with the administration, and the Diocese of Charlotte reminded parents that our school has “layered security, trained personnel, detailed protocols, and regular staff training.”

Police Arriving at Annunciation Catholic Church after shooting. (Credit: Sahan Journal)

In response to the rise in school shootings, Charlotte Catholic has enhanced its own security and safety precautions. Assistant Principal Steven Knight has implemented new safety protocols to protect students and faculty in case of an emergency.

Mr. Knight introduced drills in preparation of dangerous situations and new rules on the fire alarm, along with the integration of the Prætor private security company to further protect our school. A former member of the Mecklenburg Police Department, Mr. Knight is well qualified to oversee the safety and security of the school.

Following the shooting, Mr. Knight discussed its implications to our school. In the few days between the attack and the interview, Mr. Knight made sure to keep up with the preliminary parts of the story that were available at the time. After hearing more updates, including breaking information on the shooter and his background, Mr. Knight shifted his focus to our own school. 

He reiterated Mr. Telford’s instructions: “Be aware of your surroundings, do not enter nor let anyone into the school from doors besides the front door, and if someone sees something, it’s their responsibility to speak to an adult immediately.” With the diversity of occasions surrounding shootings, the circumstances are always changing. As Mr. Knight observed, a dangerous situation may suddenly change and develop in a way that can’t be predicted. Administrators and teachers should be prepared to adjust to new and unexpected situations.