A tragic shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis left two young children dead and at least 17 others injured on Wednesday. The shooting occurred during a school mass at Annunciation Catholic School, just days into the new academic year.
Authorities confirmed that the attacker, a man in his early 20s dressed in black, opened fire from outside the church, targeting children and worshipers gathered inside.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the suspect fired a rifle through the church windows directly into the pews where children were seated.
Gunman Opened Fire Through Church Windows
“During the mass, a gunman approached on the side of the building and began firing a rifle through the church windows toward the children sitting in the pews,” Chief O’Hara stated in a press briefing. “He struck children and worshipers that were inside the building.”
The shooter was reportedly armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. “This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping,” O’Hara continued.
“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed instantly. Seventeen others were injured, 14 of whom were also children. After the attack, the suspect took his own life inside the rear area of the church, police said.
Authorities Confirm No Ongoing Threat
The Minneapolis Police Department later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public. “The shooter is contained,” a department statement read. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released.
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, calling it an “unspeakable act” and urging the community to unite in support of the victims’ families.
“Do not think of these as just somebody else’s kids. Those families are suffering immense pain right now,” he said. “Every one of us needs to be wrapping our arms around these families.”
Response from State and Federal Officials
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he had been briefed and called the shooting a “horrific act of violence.” He added, “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that her department was monitoring the situation and working with interagency partners. “I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families,” she said.
ATF agents responded to the scene, and the FBI is also involved in the investigation. A law enforcement source told Fox News that the shooter acted alone, and there is no indication of a broader threat.
Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed that it is treating six children injured in the attack. Hennepin Healthcare is also treating several victims.
