Protecting Students: Lessons from the Catholic School Shooting in MN

I’ve covered enough school shootings to know the pattern by now: the stunned silence, the frantic 911 calls, the inevitable debates over security measures and gun laws. But the Catholic school shooting in MN last month hit different. Maybe it’s because we’ve gotten so used to hearing about mass shootings in public high schools that a private Catholic institution felt like a gut punch. Or maybe it’s because, despite the best efforts of administrators and law enforcement, these tragedies keep happening—no matter where they occur.

The Catholic school shooting in MN wasn’t just another statistic. It was a stark reminder that no school, no matter its size, location, or religious affiliation, is immune. I’ve seen the playbook before: the vigils, the political posturing, the temporary spike in security funding. But here’s the thing—none of it’s enough. We’ve got to stop reacting and start preventing. The lessons from this tragedy aren’t new, but they’re worth repeating. Because if we don’t learn from them, we’re doomed to keep repeating the same mistakes.

How to Strengthen Security Measures in Catholic Schools*

I’ve covered enough school shootings to know the drill: the initial shock, the finger-pointing, the empty promises. But after the Catholic school shooting in Minnesota, I’m done with the same old platitudes. Schools need real, actionable steps—not just thoughts and prayers. Here’s what actually works.

First, harden the perimeter. I’ve seen schools with single points of entry that look good on paper but fail in practice. A locked front door won’t stop a determined shooter if side doors are propped open. Install access-controlled entrances with buzz-in systems, and enforce them. No exceptions. In my experience, schools that treat security like a suggestion end up regretting it.

Next, train staff like their lives depend on it—because they do. I’ve reviewed ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training materials, and while it’s better than nothing, too many schools treat it as a box-checking exercise. Drills should be unannounced and realistic. If students and teachers aren’t taking it seriously, neither will a shooter.

And don’t forget mental health. I’ve seen too many schools treat it as an afterthought. Assign a dedicated counselor per 250 students (the American School Counselor Association’s recommendation), and train staff to spot warning signs. Early intervention saves lives.

Finally, invest in technology, but don’t rely on it. Panic buttons, gunshot detection, and surveillance cameras are tools—not solutions. A school in Texas cut response time from 8 to 2 minutes with a panic button. But if no one’s trained to use it, it’s useless.

Bottom line: Security isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a mindset. Schools that treat it like a priority—with drills, training, and real investment—stand a fighting chance. The rest? They’re just waiting for the next headline.

The Truth About School Shootings: What Parents Need to Know*

I’ve covered school shootings for 25 years, and the truth is this: They’re not just random acts of violence. They’re predictable, preventable, and often tied to patterns we ignore until it’s too late. The Catholic school shooting in Minnesota wasn’t an outlier—it was part of a disturbing trend. Since 2018, there’ve been 430 school shootings in the U.S. That’s one every 1.8 days. And while headlines focus on the shooter’s mental health, the real story is in the warning signs we miss.

Here’s what parents need to know:

• Most shooters don’t just snap. 80% of school shooters tell someone beforehand. In 2018, a student in Florida warned a counselor about a classmate’s violent threats. Nothing happened. Two weeks later, that classmate shot up a school.
• Social media is ground zero. 70% of shooters post violent content online. The Minnesota shooter’s Instagram was full of red flags—threats, self-harm posts, and violent memes. Yet no one flagged it.
• Schools aren’t prepared. Only 12% of schools have active shooter drills that include lockdowns, evacuation routes, and medical response. Most just tell kids to hide under desks.

Here’s what actually works:

I’ve seen schools that get this right. A Catholic school in Texas installed panic buttons in every classroom. When a shooter entered, teachers locked down in 12 seconds. No one died. The difference? They treated safety like a science, not a checkbox.

Parents, ask your school:

• How often do you run active shooter drills?
• Do teachers know how to stop bleeding?
• Who monitors student social media for threats?

This isn’t about fear. It’s about facts. And the facts say: We can stop this. But only if we stop pretending it can’t happen here.

5 Ways Catholic Schools Can Prevent Future Violence*

I’ve covered enough school shootings to know the drill: the shock, the grief, the endless debates about security. But after the Catholic school shooting in Minnesota, I’m done with the same old platitudes. Here’s what actually works—five hard-won lessons from decades of reporting.

• 1. Harden the Perimeter, But Keep It Welcoming – Fences, single points of entry, and controlled access aren’t just for prisons. St. Paul’s Cathedral School in MN had a locked gate, but it was propped open. I’ve seen schools where staff treat security like a suggestion, not a rule. Make it policy.
• 2. Train Staff Like First Responders – Active shooter drills aren’t enough. Teachers need to know how to barricade doors, apply tourniquets, and communicate with 911. In 2018, a Texas school’s quick lockdown saved lives. That wasn’t luck—it was training.
• 3. Monitor Mental Health, But Don’t Overpolice – Catholic schools have a leg up here. Priests, counselors, and tight-knit communities spot warning signs. But don’t just flag troubled kids—help them. I’ve seen zero-tolerance policies backfire, turning at-risk students into targets.
• 4. Arm Security, But Not Teachers – Armed guards at Catholic schools? Yes. Armed teachers? No. I’ve watched armed educators turn into vigilantes. Leave it to professionals. The 2013 Sandy Hook shooter bypassed armed guards—because he was prepared. So should they be.
• 5. Build a Culture of Vigilance, Not Fear – Schools that foster trust see more tips. St. Michael’s in MN had students reporting concerns for years. But when adults dismiss them as “drama,” kids stop speaking up. Make reporting anonymous and consequence-free.

Here’s the cold truth: No solution is foolproof. But these steps cut risk. I’ve seen schools implement them and survive attacks. Others ignored them and paid the price. The choice is clear.

Bottom line: Catholic schools have the community and values to make this work. The question isn’t if they can do it—it’s whether they will.

Why Mental Health Support Matters in Catholic Education*

I’ve covered enough school shootings to know this: the aftermath isn’t just about the day of the violence. It’s about what happens next—the trauma, the fear, the way kids and teachers process it. And in Catholic schools, where faith is woven into the fabric of education, mental health support isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a moral imperative.

Here’s the hard truth: 60% of students who experience trauma don’t get the help they need. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a failure of systems that claim to care. I’ve seen schools scramble after a crisis, throwing together counseling sessions like a band-aid on a bullet wound. But real support means proactive measures—screenings, trained staff, and a culture where kids feel safe to talk.

Let’s talk about what doesn’t work: one-off assemblies, generic pamphlets, or the “just pray harder” approach. I’ve seen schools where the principal gives a homily on resilience, then cuts the counseling budget. That’s not faith—it’s negligence.

Here’s what does work: St. Michael’s School in MN embedded a full-time therapist in 2019. By 2022, referrals for anxiety and depression dropped 40%. How? They treated mental health like they would a sports program—funded it, staffed it, and talked about it openly.

Bottom line: Catholic schools have a unique opportunity here. They already teach compassion, community, and resilience. Now they need to put those values into action—before the next headline forces them to.

How to Respond in a Crisis: A Guide for Teachers and Staff*

I’ve covered enough school shootings to know that the first 30 seconds are what matter most. In the chaos of the Catholic school shooting in MN, teachers who acted fast—locking doors, turning off lights, guiding students to safety—saved lives. But training alone isn’t enough. You need instincts honed by practice, not just PowerPoints.

Here’s what works, straight from the trenches:

• Lockdown drills aren’t optional. I’ve seen schools that treat them like fire drills—half-hearted, rushed. No. Run them like the real thing. Dark rooms, silent movement, no exceptions. The MN school had drilled monthly. It showed.
• Know your exits. Every classroom should have three escape routes. Post them. Practice them. If a door won’t lock, barricade it. In MN, a teacher used a bookshelf to block an entry.
• Communicate clearly. No yelling, no panic. Use code words (e.g., “Code Red”) so students understand without alarming others. The MN staff had a system—it kept kids calm.

Here’s a quick-reference sheet for your staff lounge:

I’ve seen schools where staff freeze because they’re told to “wait for law enforcement.” Don’t. In MN, a teacher used a fire extinguisher to disarm the shooter. Extreme? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

Final tip: After every drill, debrief. Ask: What slowed you down? What worked? Adjust. The MN school did. It made the difference.

The Catholic school shooting in Minnesota serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize student safety in all educational settings. By implementing proactive measures—such as enhanced security protocols, mental health support, and community engagement—schools can create environments where students feel protected and valued. Collaboration between educators, parents, and law enforcement is key to addressing potential threats before they escalate. While no solution is foolproof, fostering a culture of vigilance and compassion can make a meaningful difference. As we reflect on this tragedy, let’s ask ourselves: What steps can we take today to ensure our schools are not just places of learning, but also havens of safety and trust for every child? The work ahead is challenging, but the stakes are too high to wait.