Annunciation School Shooting Victim Lydia Kaiser Returns After Multiple Brain Surgeries

Lydia Kaiser, a 12-year-old student wounded while protecting a younger classmate during the Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, has returned to school just over a month after the attack. She underwent multiple brain surgeries, including the removal of part of her skull to alleviate swelling, and continues to require ongoing care, though she is feeling stronger each day. Though she must take a break from playing volleyball and basketball, she remains determined to support her teammates. The shooting, which killed two young students and injured many others, deeply affected the Annunciation community, which remains committed to healing and unity. Lydia's parents, Harry and Leah Kaiser, met with Vice President JD Vance and urged the Trump administration to pursue bipartisan gun violence legislation, emphasizing the need for action beyond thoughts and prayers. The community sees this as a critical moment to promote peace and hope while honoring the resilience of those impacted.