Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were in Minneapolis to pay their respects to those impacted by the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. Protestors, however, were quick to heckle Vance and Republican policies, which they have accused of protecting guns over people’s lives, with some shouting, “Do better” and “protect kids our kids.” Some even accused the Vice President of being a coward. Others held signs, including one that said, “Hate Won’t Make America Great.”

Harry Kaiser, the father of Lydia Kaiser who is still recovering in the hospital, read a letter he had written to the Vice President. “We disagree about so many things, but on just this one issue of gun violence, will you please promise me — as a father and a Catholic — that you will earnestly support the study of what is wrong with our culture?” he asked. “That we are the country that has the worst mass shooter problem?” Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed in the shooting.

Vance said the visit, where he spent 45 minutes speaking with the victims’ family members, greatly impacted him. “I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did. I would just say, take the concerns of these parents seriously,” he told reporters. “I think all of us, Democrat, Republican and independent, want these school shootings to happen less frequently. Hopefully there’s some steps that we can take to make that happen.”

Conservatives were incensed by the reception Vance received from the protesters. “J.D. Vance and Usha Vance enter Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. Leftist protestors proceed to shout ‘You’re a coward’ and ‘do better’ while flying a rainbow flag,” wrote Dustin Grage on X, calling it tone-deaf. The rainbow flag seen at the protest also showed support to transgender identity. The shooter was a 23-year-old who identified as transgender. Conservatives have noted the number of LGBTQ+ identifying shooters than have been involved in mass shootings and are calling for further mental health services for those struggling with their gender identity.

Vance wrote further thoughts about the visit on X, saying he was “honored” to meet with the victims’ families. He also asked for continued prayers for Sophia while she recovers. “[D]on’t give the shooter the attention, but focus on the kids who were taken from us,” he wrote, describing Harper’s smile and Fletcher’s love of football. “Yes, they were taken from their families far too soon,” wrote Vance. “But in their short lives they made a big mark on the many people who loved them. Let’s give them the attention they deserve.”