Young Steelers Talent Donates a Massive Sum Directly to Support the Victims After Tragic Attack at Annunciation Church

August 27, 2025 — In a powerful act of compassion, Pittsburgh Steelers’ rising star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has moved the NFL community and Steelers Nation alike. Just hours after the horrific tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Porter Jr. spoke out with conviction and pledged to personally donate $500,000 to help heal the devastating aftermath.

The attack occurred on the morning of August 27, 2025, during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, marking the first week of the new academic year with roughly 370 children present. The assailant, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired dozens of rounds through stained-glass windows, killing two children (ages 8 and 10) instantly and injuring 17 others (14 children between ages 6–14, with two critically wounded), before taking his own life.

Authorities suspect a mix of personal turmoil and radicalization, citing YouTube videos containing racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric, sketches of the church, and his mother’s previous employment at the school (2016–2021). Police condemned the massacre as a “cowardly act against innocent children”, as Minneapolis endured four deadly shootings within a 24-hour span.

With a deep and steady voice, Porter Jr. shared:

“My heart is shattered for the innocent children at Annunciation whose lives were stolen inside their own church. I extend my deepest condolences to the families, and I will not stop standing up for our Catholic community against this ruthless violence.”

Porter Jr. announced that his $500,000 donation would go directly to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, which will use the funds to cover medical care for the 17 victims, funeral costs for the two children lost, counseling services for students and families, and the creation of an “Annunciation Hope Scholarship” to support the education of affected children.

By midday on August 27, Porter Jr. had completed the wire transfer of $500,000 with the note:
“This is my contribution to support medical care, funerals, counseling, and the Annunciation Hope Scholarship.”

The funds are slated for distribution: 50% for medical care, 30% for counseling, 20% for scholarships and facilities.

To maximize impact, Porter Jr. also spoke about how his Catholic faith has helped him face the pressures of his career, and urged fans to tag friends and spread the hashtags #FaithForMinneapolis and #CatholicUnitedAgainstViolence to amplify awareness and support.

As a 2023 Pro Bowl finalist and the son of Steelers legend Joey Porter Sr., Porter Jr. is proving himself not only as a young star on the field but also as a strong voice for peace, faith, and charity. His action promises to inspire both the NFL and the Catholic community, shining as a beacon of hope amid Minneapolis’ grief.