A 10-year-old survivor of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church who captured the world’s attention following an interview after the attack will undergo surgery on Wednesday after doctors discovered a bullet fragment in his neck, his father said.
Weston Halsne, a fifth-grade student at the school, shared the harrowing tale inside the church when bullets shattered stained glass windows, killing 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Minneapolis police gave an update Sunday that 21 people total were hurt by gunfire, including 18 children and three adult parishioners in their 80s. That’s more victims than officials initially thought.
Halsne in an interview that went viral credited his friend, Victor, for saving his life, sharing with reporters that Victor laid on top of him and took a bullet in his back. He told WCCO and other news outlets he could feel something like gunpowder on his neck and that he ducked under a pew when shots rang out. Police recovered 116 rifle rounds at the scene.
“I was super scared for him. But I think now he’s ok,” Halsne said.
“My friend Victor like, saved me though. Because he laid on top of me. But he got hit,” Halsne said.
In the days after the shooting and that interview, doctors discovered a bullet fragment lodged in Halsne’s neck, dangerously close to his carotid artery. His aunt started an online fundraiser to help cover medical costs, which has raised nearly $60,000 in just a few days.
“Weston is doing well, all things considered,” his father, Grant Halsne, said in a written statement to WCCO. “His operation is Wednesday morning. Weston is enjoying spending time with his friends, asking about going fishing/boating. He’s very excited for the Vikings season to begin.”
His father added that he has been asking when he can start playing football and that “he’s praying for all who got injured and anyone affected.”
Weston Halsne last week also shared well wishes for his friend and others in the hospital. As of Monday morning, three children and one adult who were injured remain in the hospital.
“I hope you’re OK and I’m praying for you,” Weston Halsne told reporters.
According to an online fundraiser for Victor, the organizer said he is out of the hospital and recovering at home with his family.
“The level of support from everyone that has donated so generously is frankly overwhelming. A sincere and deeply felt thank you from our entire family,” a statement from Friday said. “We are trying to focus on the light – the incredible stories of people helping each other this week.
Click here to find WCCO’s list of how you can support the victims.
