Just days before a deadly attack at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 21 wounded, an intruder walked the halls of Loyola Catholic School in Mankato with a backpack and flashlight.
Now, Loyola is ramping up police presence and tightening security while investigators work to identify the man caught on surveillance video.
Alpha News reached out to the Mankato Police Department to ask about the Aug. 22 incident.
“What you are referring to is an active investigation, and we are utilizing all investigative means to identify the person shown on surveillance video walking the hallways as well as the vehicle the person was driving,” said Paul David, communications director for the Mankato Department of Public Safety. “Additionally, area law enforcement agencies have been alerted and are assisting in identifying this individual.
“The campus was searched immediately upon Loyola reporting the incident to Mankato police. During our search we did not find any suspicious items left behind, and we do not believe any items were stolen. We also did not find anything damaged in the building.
“We’ve received no direct threats to Loyola. We continue to work an investigation to identify the person shown in the video.”
Letter sent to families
Following the Annunciation shooting, Loyola officials told families in a letter that they met with the Mankato Public Safety director and police commanders and outlined precautionary steps now underway, including a visible police presence on campus from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., a review of recent security upgrades, and continued coordination with law enforcement to assess vulnerabilities.
The letter noted law enforcement “has assured us that they are continuing the investigation and putting additional resources into identifying the [Aug. 22] individual.”
Loyola leaders said classes and activities will not be canceled unless there is a direct threat.
Authorities have said there is no evidence linking the Annunciation shooting to the trespasser seen at Loyola, according to the letter.
“We understand the concerns the community has expressed and the safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority,” members of Loyola’s board of trustees wrote in the letter.
Mankato Area Public Schools also announced an increased law enforcement presence across its campuses out of an abundance of caution following the Annunciation shooting.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
