CW: Gun Violence & Death
In the quiet sanctuary of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, a morning Mass turned into a nightmare. Amid the chaos of gunfire and fear, a story of courage and compassion emerged. It reminds us of the power of human connection in the face of unimaginable terror.
Thirteen-year-old Ryan Palattao, a seventh grader who uses a wheelchair due to transverse myelitis, couldn’t run when the shooting began. As the sound of gunfire echoed through the stone walls of the church, students and teachers scrambled to safety.
Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. This inflammation damages the protective covering around nerve cells, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, paralysis, pain, abnormal sensations, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
In Ryan’s case, the condition left him unable to walk and dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. Transverse myelitis can affect anyone at any age. While some people recover fully, others have lasting physical disabilities.
Ryan, unable to move, was exposed until his teacher, Becca Heer, threw herself over him and shielded his body with her own. “I had a teacher behind me, and she grabbed me and pulled me under the pew and got on top of me,” Ryan recalled. That act of protection, instinctive and selfless, may have saved his life.
When the shooting paused, another teacher, Dominique Junes, lifted Ryan back into his wheelchair and pushed him toward safety. Outside, the gym became a refuge for stunned students and parents. Ryan’s mother, Angie, received a phone call filled with sobs. “There was a shooting at church.” That call, though heartbreaking, was a lifeline.
Two children, Fletcher Merkel, age eight, and Harper Moyski, age ten, lost their lives. Nineteen others were wounded. The sanctuary, once a place of peace, was left scarred by bullet holes and blood.
Ryan’s family believes guardian angels were watching over him. The teachers who protected him and the community surrounding him became his shield. His father, Greg, spoke of the school’s culture, the buddy system, and how older students look out for younger ones. That quiet force helped save lives.
This story is not just about tragedy. It is about the bravery of educators, the resilience of children, and the fierce love of a family that refused to let fear win. It is a reminder that in moments of darkness, humanity can shine brightest.
Ryan’s survival was due to the instinctive bravery of his teachers, but no child should have to rely on heroism alone. His story reveals a deeper truth. Disabled students face unique risks during emergencies, and schools must be prepared.
Disabled students may be unable to evacuate quickly due to mobility limitations. They may struggle with sensory overload or confusion in chaotic environments. Some have difficulty communicating their needs or understanding instructions. Others require medical equipment or support that complicates emergency response. Without a plan, these students are vulnerable.
A strong safety plan must be individualized and tailored to the student’s physical, sensory, and cognitive needs. It should be created collaboratively with input from parents, educators, aides, and the student. It must be aligned with the school’s overall emergency protocols and practiced regularly. For example, a student who uses a wheelchair should have a designated adult assigned to assist them during evacuations, and ideally, someone should act as a replacement in case that person is unavailable.
Teachers and staff must be trained to understand the diverse needs of disabled students, respond swiftly and compassionately in crises, and ensure that disabled students feel safe and included. Ryan’s teachers did not hesitate. They acted with love, courage, and clarity. But their actions also highlight the need for systemic preparedness, not just individual heroism.
Sources:
Barnett, Sofia. “He Couldn’t Run. So They Covered Him Instead.” The Minnesota Star Tribune, Star Tribune Media Company, LLC, 30 Aug. 2025, http://www.startribune.com/he-couldnt-run-so-they-covered-him-instead/601464488.
“Transverse Myelitis (TM): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 2 June 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8980-transverse-myelitis.