Dance Star Cheryl Burke Apologizes After Controversial Gunshot Post Amidst School Shooting Tragedy

DANCING WITH SHAME: DWTS Star Cheryl Burke's Social Media Slip-Up Sparks Fury After Deadly School Shooting

The scandal-plagued world of Dancing With The Stars just got a whole lot messier, folks! Former pro dancer and fan favorite Cheryl Burke has issued a groveling apology after posting a social media video that included the sound of a gunshot - mere hours after a devastating school shooting in Minneapolis.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday night, the 41-year-old beauty wrote: "I want to take a moment to acknowledge something very important. 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 went on to confess that she quickly deleted the offending clip after learning of the tragedy, but not before it sparked widespread outrage and concern among her followers. "Out of respect for the lives impacted, I have already taken that post down," she wrote. "I want to be clear... that does not erase the reality that my post could have caused pain, discomfort or even retraumatization for those affected by [the] tragedy. For that, I am deeply sorry."

So, what was Burke thinking? Sources close to the DWTS alum claim she was simply trying to create a "glam" routine transition video - but perhaps she got a bit too caught up in her own world of sequins and sparkles.

"I never want my content — no matter the intent — to feel careless or disconnected from the world we live in," Burke wrote, taking full responsibility for her social media faux pas. "I take full responsibility for what I put out into the world, and this is a reminder for me to always pause, reflect and be more mindful of the timing and impact."

Meanwhile, the Minneapolis community was still reeling from the horrific attack on Wednesday morning. Authorities confirmed that two children were killed and 17 others injured in the deliberate act of violence.

The suspected gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman (formerly Robert), died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to eyewitnesses, Westman was dressed in all black and armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol - firing dozens of rounds into the church's stained glass windows.

"It was like something out of a horror movie," said one stunned witness. "The gunman just started shooting through the windows towards the children sitting in the pews."

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described himself as "deeply saddened" by the tragedy, urging the nation to grasp the gravity of what had unfolded. "Children are dead... you cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy or absolute pain of this moment," he said at a press conference.

Parents described a scene of chaos and terror as children were evacuated from the church - many crying and covered in blood. One heartbroken parent told The Minnesota Star Tribune: "This is terrible. This is evil. I don't know how you defend against this."

As investigators continue searching for a motive behind the heinous attack, the city is grappling with grief and shock - a community left shattered in what was meant to be the hopeful first week of a new school year.

THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE:

We spoke to a source close to Burke's camp, who revealed that the Dancing With The Stars alum has been "devastated" by the backlash - and is now taking steps to ensure her social media posts are more thoughtful and considerate in the future. "Cheryl is truly sorry for any pain she may have caused," our insider spilled. "She's a compassionate person who would never intentionally hurt anyone."

But some fans aren't buying it, dear readers! We've had reports of Burke being criticized on social media for her perceived insensitivity - with many accusing her of being tone-deaf and out-of-touch.

What do you think, SchollyNote fam? Should Burke face the music for her social media slip-up - or is this just a harmless mistake? Sound off in the comments below!

UPDATE:

We've had reports that Burke's apology has been met with skepticism by some of her fans - who claim she's been "playing the victim" to deflect attention from her own role in the controversy.

One enraged fan took to Twitter, writing: "Cheryl Burke's apology is just a PR stunt... She knew what she was doing when she posted that video. This isn't about being 'sorry' - it's about saving face!"

Others are calling for Burke to be held accountable for her actions - and perhaps even face consequences from the Dancing With The Stars franchise.

What do you think, SchollyNote fam? Should Burke face the music for her social media slip-up? Let us know in the comments below!