A boy who was saved by one of his friends after a shooter opened fire on a junior school in Minnesota has discovered that a bullet fragment struck his neck.
Ten-year-old Weston Halsne spoke to reporters shortly after the shooting took place at Mass last week on Wednesday, August 27, in the church adjacent to Annunciation Catholic School, in south Minneapolis.
Tragically, 10-year-old Harper Moyski and eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel were shot dead by a 23-year-old named by police as Robin Westman, with a further 17 injured.
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It is understood the suspected shooter - who cops have confirmed was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol - barricaded the doors to the church from the outside and opened fire through the multiple stained glass windows.
Speaking shortly after the attack, Weston, a fifth-grader, told reporters of his friend's bravery and how he believed he may have been hit by one of the bullets.
“It was like right beside me … I think I got gunpowder on my neck,” the fifth-grader said. "The first one, I was like, ‘What is that?’ and then I heard it again and I just ran under the pew."
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He went on to explain how he was covering his head when one of his friends jumped on top of him.
He continued: "(He) saved me though because he laid on top of me, but he got hit. He’s really brave, and I hope he’s good in the hospital.”
A GoFundMe has since been set up to support Weston after his thoughts were confirmed - that he was struck by a bullet fragment in the neck.
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In the description, which was set up by the youngster's auntie, Allison Hawes, she posted: "If you've met my nephew, Weston, you know his love of basketball, being with friends, and enjoying a candy or two. You've been amazed by his quick wit, awed by his persistence, and charmed by his earnestness.
"If you've been watching the news, you've seen his grief-stricken face and heard, despite his shock, Weston's account of the horrific details during the mass at Annunciation Church.
"And in spite of everything, this 10-year-old boy was able to express appreciation for his friends and pray for their recovery.
"Since the interview, it has been discovered that Weston will need surgery to remove a bullet fragment that is lodged in his neck, dangerously close to his carotid artery."
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She continued: "I am hoping that we, Weston's community, near and far, can show him our support and love in any means possible. Share this link, contribute, or pray for Weston and the children and families at Annunciation.
"He's been a light in the darkness. Contributions will go toward Weston's medical bills, trauma counselling, and support for his immediate family."
A sickening manifesto written by the suspected shooter, who shot themself before they could be brought to justice, detailed why they may have launched the attack on the church - which has been described as a hate crime.
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Condemning the attack, Chief Brian O'Hara of the Minneapolis Police Department addressed reporters at the scene of the crime, saying: "The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible."
If you have been affected by the contents of this article, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.
Joe Yates