“DWTS” Star Cheryl Burke Apologizes After Insensitive Post Amid Minneapolis School Shooting
August 30, 2025 – Dancing With the Stars alum Cheryl Burke is facing heavy backlash after sharing a social media video with gunshot sound effects, just hours after a deadly school shooting in Minneapolis.
The 41-year-old dancer quickly deleted the video and later issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something very important,” she wrote. “Less than an hour ago, I posted a transition video that included the sound of a gun. At the time, I was completely unaware of the horrific school shooting that took place today in Minneapolis at a Catholic school.”
Burke explained that the video was originally intended to showcase a beauty routine but admitted that the timing was extremely insensitive. “I never want my content—no matter the intent—to feel careless or disconnected from the world we live in,” she said. “This is a reminder for me to always pause, reflect, and be more mindful of the timing and impact.”
She offered her prayers to the victims and their families, acknowledging that “words cannot undo harm” but vowing to move forward with greater awareness.
The tragedy she referred to occurred earlier that day at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, where an armed gunman opened fire during mass. Authorities confirmed that two children were killed and 17 others were injured. Several victims remain in critical condition, including a 10-year-old boy who was shot.
Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dressed in black and carrying multiple legally purchased firearms, Westman fired dozens of rounds into the church’s stained-glass windows as terrified children, parents, and staff tried to escape.
“This was a deliberate act of violence,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said, describing the attack as an act of “cowardice.”
Mayor Jacob Frey called the incident “deeply saddening,” urging people to recognize the devastating reality. “Children are dead. You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or absolute pain of this moment,” he said.
Parents described chaos as children were evacuated—many crying, bleeding, and terrified. One boy told his father, “I don’t feel safe.” Another resident recalled holding hands with three wounded children, including one shot in the neck.
As investigators search for a motive, the Minneapolis community is left grieving what was meant to be a hopeful first week of the new school year.
