Minneapolis Boy Honored for Shielding Classmate During School Shooting

11-year-old Victor Greenawalt to receive Citizen Honor Award for heroic actions.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 10:51pm

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Victor Greenawalt, an 11-year-old from Minneapolis, will be recognized with a Citizen Honor Award in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday for using his own body to shield a classmate during a mass shooting at their school, Annunciation Catholic School, in August 2025. Victor was injured in the incident but his actions are credited with directly saving his friend's life.

Why it matters

The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School was a tragic event that impacted the Minneapolis community. Victor's selfless actions in the face of such danger highlight the bravery and heroism that can emerge even from the youngest members of society during times of crisis.

The details

According to reports, Victor Greenawalt instinctively protected his classmate Weston Halsne by using his own body to shield him from the gunfire. Victor was injured in the process, but his actions are credited with directly saving Weston's life. The shooting left two other students, an 8-year-old and 10-year-old, dead, and many others injured before the shooter died by suicide.

  • The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School occurred on August 27, 2025.
  • Victor Greenawalt will receive the Citizen Honor Award in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2026.

The players

Victor Greenawalt

An 11-year-old boy from Minneapolis who used his own body to shield a classmate during a school shooting, saving his friend's life.

Weston Halsne

Victor Greenawalt's classmate who was saved when Victor shielded him from the gunfire during the school shooting.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The organization that is honoring Victor Greenawalt with a Citizen Honor Award for his heroic actions.

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What they’re saying

“My friend Victor, like, saved me though. He laid on top of me, but he got hit. He was really brave.”

— Weston Halsne

What’s next

Victor Greenawalt will receive the Citizen Honor Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Victor Greenawalt's selfless actions in shielding his classmate during a tragic school shooting demonstrate the profound courage that can be found in the youngest members of our communities. His story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the power of heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.