TODAY’s Craig Melvin Left ‘Shaken’ by Brave Teen’s Account of Minneapolis Church Shooting

On a somber Thursday morning, TODAY show host Craig Melvin paused the broadcast to share a deeply moving segment that he described as leaving him “still shaken.” The emotional interview featured 13-year-old Javen Willis, a survivor of the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, where two Catholic school students lost their lives and over a dozen others were injured during a Back-To-School Mass. Javen’s courageous actions to protect his classmates during the chaos captivated viewers, revealing a powerful story of bravery and faith that resonated nationwide.

The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, saw 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school, fire 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed that Westman was “obsessed” with targeting children, adding a chilling layer to the tragedy. Amid this horrifying ordeal, eighth-grader Javen Willis emerged as a beacon of hope. Speaking with Craig Melvin, Javen recounted the terrifying moments when the gunfire began, initially mistaken by some classmates for fireworks and confetti. “I knew something was off right away,” he shared, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

Instinctively, Javen took charge. “I told me and my two buddies to get down and get under the pew,” he said. “I knew I had to try to keep as many people around me as safe as possible.” His quick thinking and selflessness in the face of danger left Melvin visibly moved. When asked what was going through his mind, Javen, who had been baptized just a week prior, revealed the depth of his faith. “I dropped down under the pew and prayed,” he said. “I realized I can’t just sit here and focus on myself, knowing that—with God on my side—I’d be fine. So I had to go and help my classmates, keep them calm, and let them know it’ll be okay.”

Javen’s mother, Melissa, joined the interview, her voice trembling as she described the “terrifying” scene when she arrived at the church. “You never think this is going to be your reality,” she said. The relief of reuniting with her son was overwhelming. “I just cried, thanked God, and held him,” she recalled, noting that not all parents were as fortunate. During the broadcast, Javen’s compassion shone through as he placed a comforting hand on his mother’s shoulder, a gesture that brought tears to viewers’ eyes and left Melvin emotional as he thanked the pair.

The interview, shared on TODAY’s Instagram, prompted an outpouring of support. Melvin wrote, “As a parent, Melissa’s account of reuniting with her son hit me hard. No parent should have to live with that fear.” Fans echoed his sentiments, praising Javen’s bravery. One commenter noted, “This beautiful boy had to endure the unthinkable. His comforting his mom wrecked me.” Another wrote, “This kid had me in tears! Incredible job raising this kiddo, mom!” Others lauded Melvin’s sensitivity, with one saying, “Craig, your strength getting through these tough interviews is astounding. Bravo.”

Javen’s story is a testament to resilience and compassion in the face of unimaginable tragedy. His actions not only saved lives but also inspired a nation. As Minneapolis grapples with the aftermath, the TODAY segment highlighted the power of hope and humanity, embodied by a 13-year-old whose faith and courage left an indelible mark on all who heard his story.