CNN is under intense scrutiny following a controversial segment during its live coverage of the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in South Minneapolis.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, saw a gunman open fire during a school Mass, killing two children, aged 8 and 10, and wounding 17 others, including 14 children.
The tragedy has left the community and the nation in shock, but CNN’s reporting has added fuel to the fire with a glaring inaccuracy about firearms.
During the broadcast, CNN Senior Justice Correspondent Evan Perez made a statement about semi-automatic rifles that immediately drew criticism from viewers, firearm experts, and conservative commentators alike.
Perez claimed that semi-automatic rifles, like the one used in the shooting, "can shoot dozens of bullets in just one trigger pull," a statement that was both scientifically inaccurate and misleading.
This error set off a firestorm of criticism, with many pointing out that Perez’s description was more fitting of a fully automatic weapon, not the semi-automatic rifle that was reportedly used in the Minneapolis shooting.
In a semi-automatic firearm, each pull of the trigger releases one bullet, which contrasts sharply with fully automatic weapons that continuously fire as long as the trigger is held down.
By inaccurately describing the rifle used in the shooting as having the ability to shoot “dozens of bullets” with a single trigger pull, Perez inadvertently conflated the two types of firearms.
Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty was one of the first to call out CNN’s error, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to point out that Perez's description was incorrect.
“BY DEFINITION, ‘semi-automatic’ means one trigger pull, ONE ROUND,” Daugherty wrote. “And the entire magazine, on average, for an AR-15 is 30 rounds (NOT confirmed the specific model this suspect used—just an example).
CNN needs to immediately retract and apologize for lying to their viewers.” The response was swift, with others jumping in to offer similar criticisms.
One user on social media wrote, “Simply put, semi-automatic weapons are one-pull, one-round. Kind Regards,” emphasizing the core misunderstanding that CNN had perpetuated.
Critics were quick to suggest that Perez and CNN, as an institution, should be held accountable for spreading misinformation, especially on a topic as sensitive and divisive as gun control.
Several users questioned the rationale behind having Perez as the senior correspondent on such a significant story. One wrote, “What is the point of even having him on? Disgraceful.”
Others were quick to draw attention to the broader issue of media outlets and reporters misrepresenting firearms, with one user asking, “How can they seek to regulate something they so clearly know nothing about?”
The reaction from the public pointed to an ongoing issue in media reporting on firearms: the widespread misunderstanding of how guns work and the use of inaccuracies to further a specific agenda.
BY DEFINITION, "semi-automatic" means one trigger pull, ONE ROUND. And the entire magazine on average for an AR-15 is 30 rounds (NOT confirmed the specific model this suspect used - just an example). CNN needs to immediately retract and apologize for lying to their viewers.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 27, 2025
Many accused CNN of using the tragedy to push for stricter gun control laws, despite presenting misleading facts that would not help further informed debate on the topic.
The backlash did not stop with conservative commentators. A growing number of social media users, including gun owners and firearms advocates, expressed their disappointment in CNN's lack of accuracy.
One viral post read, "CNN, WTF ARE YOU DOING? A tragedy happens and the reaction is to LIE in favor of gun control? SHAME."
These critics argued that CNN's inaccurate claims about semi-automatic weapons were not a simple mistake, but part of a broader trend of misinformation about firearms that has become more pronounced in recent years.
Many suggested that the network was exploiting the tragic event to push a political narrative, particularly regarding the regulation of firearms.
Gun rights activists pointed out that the way the media, and particularly CNN, has reported on shootings often creates confusion and reinforces misconceptions about how guns operate.
They argued that when journalists misrepresent basic facts about firearms, it undermines public trust in the media and distracts from the real issues at hand.
Furthermore, critics questioned why Perez was given a platform to make such an inaccurate statement when there were experts on firearms who could have clarified the facts.
Simply put, semi-automatic weapons are one-pull, one-round. ~Kind Regards~
— Katina M. Stamper (@KatinaStamper) August 27, 2025
Many argued that such a serious error should have been addressed immediately by CNN, with a correction issued on-air and a public apology to viewers who were misled by the false claims.
The incident at Annunciation Catholic Church has once again ignited the debate over gun control in America, and CNN’s coverage has only added fuel to this fire.
The network’s error highlights the tension between media reporting and the gun control debate. While the tragic shooting and its aftermath have rightfully sparked a national conversation about the safety of schools and religious institutions, many critics argue that focusing on firearms without accurately explaining how they function does not lead to meaningful policy solutions.
Firearms are a deeply divisive issue in the United States, and many Americans feel that the debate over gun control is often shaped by misinformation and fearmongering.
While it is clear that gun violence is a serious problem that demands attention, there is also a growing concern about the way the media has handled the issue, particularly when it comes to reporting on the types of weapons used in high-profile shootings.
Inaccurate reporting on firearms has the potential to skew public understanding of the issue and influence policy decisions based on misconceptions rather than facts.
For example, calls for a ban on "assault weapons" have often been fueled by misleading media reports about the lethality and mechanics of certain guns.
In reality, the definition of what constitutes an "assault weapon" is vague and can encompass a wide range of firearms that are commonly used for lawful purposes such as hunting and self-defense.
What is the point of even having him on? Disgraceful
— CartierFamily (@cartierfamilyZ) August 27, 2025
Critics of CNN's reporting argue that this failure to accurately describe firearms could contribute to an environment where gun control policies are enacted without a proper understanding of the real issues.
They point out that many mass shootings involve legally purchased firearms, and that a more effective approach to reducing gun violence would involve addressing underlying issues such as mental health, criminal behavior, and the illegal trafficking of firearms.
The growing mistrust between the media and the public is exacerbated by incidents like the one involving CNN’s coverage of the Minneapolis shooting.
Many Americans are frustrated with what they see as biased or sloppy reporting on critical issues, including gun control. When news outlets fail to provide accurate information, it erodes trust in the media and hinders productive dialogue about potential solutions.
The issue becomes even more pressing when it comes to coverage of sensitive topics like mass shootings, where accurate reporting is essential for understanding the tragedy and its implications.
When the media gets basic facts wrong, it diminishes their credibility and makes it harder for the public to engage in meaningful conversations about how to address the issue at hand.
For CNN, the fallout from this incident is likely to have long-lasting effects on its reputation. The network has long been criticized for its handling of controversial issues, and its failure to correct the firearms error quickly has further fueled perceptions of bias and incompetence
In an era where media outlets are increasingly scrutinized for their coverage, CNN’s handling of this story raises important questions about journalistic responsibility and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.
How can they seek to regulate something they so clearly know nothing about…
— Sgt_Mac87 (@Sgt_Mac87) August 27, 2025
We need to protect our schools.
While the controversy surrounding CNN’s reporting on the Minneapolis shooting has garnered significant attention, the real tragedy lies in the devastating loss of life and the ongoing trauma felt by the victims and their families.
The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, opened fire during a school Mass, killing two young children and injuring 17 others, including several who remain in critical condition.
Authorities have described the scene as "absolutely incomprehensible," and vigils are being planned in honor of the victims. The community is struggling to come to terms with the violence that unfolded in their church, a place that is meant to be a sanctuary for worship and reflection.
In the wake of the shooting, families and parishioners are grappling with an unimaginable loss, and the city of Minneapolis is left reeling from the impact of this senseless act of violence.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities have confirmed that Westman fired through church windows using multiple weapons, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. After the attack, he turned the weapon on himself, taking his own life in what police described as a murder-suicide.
While the media's handling of the tragedy has drawn sharp criticism, the real focus should remain on supporting the victims and their families, as well as addressing the root causes of gun violence in America.
CNN’s error in reporting on the Minneapolis church shooting has ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised important questions about journalistic responsibility.
The network’s failure to accurately describe how firearms function in the context of a mass shooting is a glaring misstep that undermines public trust and contributes to the ongoing debate over gun control in the United States.
While the focus should be on the victims of this tragic event, the media's role in shaping public understanding of the issue cannot be overlooked.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this horrific shooting, it is crucial for the media to provide accurate, responsible reporting on issues that have far-reaching implications for public policy and safety.
