[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today ordered the deployment of state law enforcement personnel to support public safety efforts around schools and places of worship in Minneapolis. This deployment follows a request from the City of Minneapolis for additional resources following the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church on August 27, 2025. The Minnesota State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources began partnering with the City of Minneapolis Thursday morning.

“Students deserve to start the school year full of hope, excitement, maybe a little apprehension about what the year may bring,” said Governor Walz. “No child in America should go to school apprehensive of danger, of losing a classmate, of gunshots during prayer. We will work in close partnership with the City of Minneapolis to give residents every reassurance that their families and their children are safe. I am grateful to the State Patrol and the Department of Natural Resources for their willingness to help.”

“Our presence is about more than patrols — it’s about letting the people of Minneapolis know they are not alone. Together with our law enforcement partners in Minneapolis, we’re committed to protecting our neighborhoods and supporting the community,” said State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic.

“The loss Minneapolis is experiencing right now is felt across our entire state. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighborhood, at school or in their place of worship. By coming together, local and state law enforcement are sending a clear message: The people of Minneapolis are not alone. We are here to protect the places where you live, learn, and gather,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.

The Governor authorized the deployment of 20 state personnel, including 14 Minnesota State Patrol troopers and six Department of Natural Resources enforcement officers. The responders will be organized into two-person squads, with two squads assigned per precinct across five precincts in Minneapolis, with a particular focus on schools and places of worship. The troopers and enforcement officers will coordinate with the Minneapolis Police Department to assist with patrol coverage and visibility. 

“The Department of Natural Resources stands in support of the city and people of Minneapolis in the midst of this horrific tragedy, and our conservation officers are committed to working with our fellow law enforcement partners,” said DNR Enforcement Division Director Col. Rodmen Smith.

In addition, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is providing significant assistance to the Minneapolis Police Department with its investigation of the church shooting, and the BCA’s Violent Crime Enforcement Unit continues to work other violent crime investigations in the city.

“Our agents and crime scene personnel have been working round the clock since Wednesday morning to help provide answers about what happened,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “We will continue to support Minneapolis Police Department with this and other violent crime investigations.”

The State of Minnesota will continue coordinating with local government, law enforcement, and communities to ensure the safety of Minnesotans and provide additional assistance as needed.