In the heart of Minneapolis, a sanctuary of worship turned into a scene of terror on August 27, 2025, when gunfire shattered the peace at Annunciation Catholic Church. Among the chaos, 10-year-old Weston Halsne emerged as a symbol of resilience, his life spared by a friend’s selfless act of bravery. Now, as he faces a precarious surgery to remove a bullet fragment lodged dangerously close to a vital artery, his story of survival and gratitude has gripped a grieving community.

Weston, a fifth-grader at Annunciation Catholic School, was attending a morning Mass to mark the start of the school year when 23-year-old Robin Westman unleashed a barrage of bullets through the church’s stained-glass windows. Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, tragically lost their lives, and 21 others, including 15 children, were injured. Weston, seated just two seats from the window, felt the sting of what he thought was gunpowder on his neck. “It was like, shots fired, and then we kind of got under pews,” he recalled to CBS affiliate WCCO. “It was really scary.”

In that moment of terror, Weston’s friend, Victor Greenawalt, threw himself over Weston, shielding him from the hail of bullets. Victor was struck in the back but survived and is now recovering at home. Weston’s voice trembled with gratitude as he spoke of his friend’s courage: “My friend Victor saved me. He laid on top of me, but he got hit. I was super scared for him, but I think he’s OK now.”

Days later, doctors discovered the true extent of Weston’s injuries. What he had mistaken for gunpowder was a bullet fragment lodged in his neck, perilously close to his carotid artery. “If it had gone any further, he would’ve died,” his father, Grant Halsne, told NBC News, describing a doctor’s assessment of the near-miss as a “miracle.” Weston now faces a delicate surgery to remove the fragment, scheduled for early this week, with his family hoping for a full recovery. The procedure carries risks due to the fragment’s proximity to the artery, but Weston’s strength shines through, even as he grapples with fear. “He’s scared of loud noises,” Grant shared. “The kid to his left was killed.”

The shooting has left an indelible mark on Weston and the Annunciation community. The church, a cornerstone of faith and education for preschool through eighth-grade students, had its doors locked during the service, a precaution that likely saved lives by preventing Westman from entering. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed that Westman, a former student at the school whose mother once worked there, fired over 120 rounds from three legally purchased firearms. A manifesto posted to YouTube, since removed by the FBI, detailed Westman’s obsession with mass shootings and hatred toward various groups, though no specific motive for targeting the church has been confirmed. Westman was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The community’s response has been one of unity and resilience. Vigils have filled the streets, with mourners gathering to honor Fletcher and Harper, whose families spoke of their vibrant spirits. Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, urged others to “give your kids an extra hug and kiss today,” while remembering his son’s love for fishing and sports. A GoFundMe for Weston’s medical expenses, started by his aunt Allison Hawes, has raised over $33,000, reflecting the outpouring of support. Victor’s family, too, has surpassed their fundraising goal of $300,000 to cover his recovery.

Local leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Senator Amy Klobuchar, have called for action against gun violence, with Frey decrying the accessibility of assault rifles: “These kids were literally praying.” The tragedy has reignited debates over gun control, with advocates like Moms Demand Action amplifying calls for reform. Meanwhile, mental health resources have been deployed to help children and families process the trauma, as many, like Weston, face lingering fears.

Weston’s story is a testament to courage—both his own and that of his friend Victor, whose quick thinking saved a life. As Minneapolis mourns, the community holds tight to hope, rallying around a 10-year-old whose gratitude and strength inspire all. “I hope you’re OK, and I’m praying for you,” Weston said, his words a beacon of light in a time of darkness.