Catholic Leaders React as New York Schools Tighten Safety Following Minneapolis Attack
NEW YORK — Schools and Catholic leaders across New York are reacting to the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, which federal authorities are investigating as a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Increased Police Presence in NYC
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the incident is being treated as an act of domestic terrorism, prompting the NYPD to deploy more officers at houses of worship and schools across the city.
Ted Havelka, Director of Enrollment Management at Catholic Schools of Brooklyn and Queens, told FOX 5 NY that every Catholic school will see a visible police presence when classes begin the week of September 4. “Our offices have worked with the NYPD to make sure there is a police presence at all schools,” Havelka explained.
Catholic Leaders Offer Support and Prayer
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, released a statement mourning the tragedy. Meanwhile, Sister Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, extended condolences to Minneapolis.
She wrote:
“On behalf of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, I extend our heartfelt prayers to our colleagues in the ministry of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, who have been deeply affected by the tragic events at Annunciation Catholic School and Parish. We pray for the victims and their families, and especially for the souls of the young students whose lives were taken far too soon.”
Walsh also emphasized that New York Catholic schools remain committed to safety, noting the availability of ADAPP (Archdiocese of New York Drug Abuse Prevention Program) resources for students and families. Many schools are planning masses at the start of the school year to reflect and pray.
Long Island District Installs New AI Security System
On Long Island, the Plainedge School District has invested $250,000 in a high-tech security system known as XSPONSE. The system features camera devices, staff panic buttons, and digital badges.
Over 400 devices have been installed across five schools. The system allows cameras to activate during lockdowns, giving first responders real-time visibility inside classrooms and cafeterias.
“Imagine first responders being able to see inside a classroom and track on a live map within a few feet of where the emergency situation is happening,” said Lee Mande, CEO of XSPONSE.
Officials are currently working on a partnership with the Nassau County Police Department that would give officers immediate access to the live security feed.
The Minneapolis shooting has left schools and faith communities nationwide on alert, with New York Catholic leaders balancing grief with renewed focus on safety.
Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for further updates on school safety measures and community responses to national tragedies.