Two children aged eight and 10 have been killed and 17 others injured after a gunman opened fire through church windows during morning mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school on Wednesday, police confirmed.
The shooter, described as a man in his early 20s, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the car park after targeting children and worshippers at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, according to Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
The attack occurred at approximately 08:30 local time (13:30 BST) as students attended an all-school mass marking their first week of the new academic year. The gunman approached the building from outside and fired multiple weapons, including a rifle, shotgun and pistol, through the church windows.
“During the mass, a gunman approached on the outside, on the side of the building and began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews,” Chief O’Hara told reporters at a press conference. “This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping.”
The police chief described the attack as an “incomprehensible” act of cowardice, adding: “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible. Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children.”
Of the 17 injured, 14 are children, with two in critical condition. Six children are being treated at Children’s Minnesota hospital, whilst another 10 are receiving care at Hennepin County Medical Center, according to hospital officials.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey fought back tears as he addressed the media: “There are families that have a deceased child. Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers… these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.”
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as children fled the building. Pat Garrity, 64, who lives across the street from the church, told reporters he saw about a dozen crying children stream out of the school. “At least three of them were covered in blood,” he said, adding that staff members warned him: “Don’t go in there.”
One witness told CNN they heard gunfire continuing for several minutes, with the weapon apparently being reloaded multiple times. Bill Bienemann, who lives two blocks from the school, said: “I was on a call, all the windows of our home were open. I know what gunfire sounds like. I was shocked. There was so much of it.”
The shooting triggered a massive emergency response, with approximately 10 ambulances and dozens of police vehicles converging on the scene. Federal agencies including the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined local law enforcement at the church on West 54th Street.
Minneapolis City Council Member Katie Cashman, whose ward includes the school, said in a statement to constituents: “This morning at Annunciation Church and Catholic School, someone shot and wounded multiple children and staff while they attended morning mass.”
Parents rushed to the scene after learning of the shooting, with many experiencing agonising waits before being reunited with their children. One father, identified only as Tyler, told NBC News: “I immediately left work. I was a nervous wreck. I was just shocked and in disbelief that this was happening at Annunciation. I couldn’t get here quick enough.”
Chris Fream, whose wife works at the school and whose son is a kindergarten pupil there, received a text from his wife saying: “We’re in lockdown, gunshots. I’m with Fox. I can’t talk.” He later confirmed his family was safe but said: “Everybody is just kind of in shock.”
Authorities have not yet established a motive for the attack, and it remains unclear whether the gunman had any connection to the school. “We are still investigating whether he was a former student or had a child at the school,” Chief O’Hara said.
The city of Minneapolis confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community, posting on social media: “The shooter is contained. Stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to help victims.”
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the “tragic shooting” and that the White House would continue monitoring the situation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the violence “horrific” and confirmed the state’s emergency response team had been activated.
Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X: “My prayers are with everyone involved in this tragedy. Our team will provide updates as we receive them.”
Annunciation Catholic School, which serves pupils from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, had begun its new academic year on Monday. The school is located in the Windom neighbourhood of southwest Minneapolis, a primarily residential area near the border with Richfield.
The shooting marks another tragic incident of gun violence at an American school, reigniting debates about school safety and gun control measures. It is the latest in a series of mass shootings that have struck educational institutions across the United States.
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