Minneapolis, Minnesota – A Mass at Annunciation Catholic School turned into tragedy on Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire on students and worshippers, killing two children and injuring at least 17 others.
Police say the victims were children aged 8 and 10, who died inside the church pews. Fourteen of the wounded are also children, with seven reported in critical condition. Doctors at Hennepin County Medical Center confirmed several victims required emergency surgery.
Authorities identified the attacker as a man in his early 20s who acted alone. He fired dozens of rounds from outside the church using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol before turning a gun on himself. Police also recovered a smoke bomb from his vehicle. A motive remains unclear.
“This was sheer cruelty and cowardice,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said. “Our hearts are broken for the families who lost their children, and for the entire community traumatized by this senseless violence.”
The shooting took place during a school-wide Mass marking the first week of the academic year. Parents rushed to the scene as students were escorted out in their green uniforms, some visibly shaken as they clutched their families.
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, urging the community not to dismiss it as another tragedy met only with “thoughts and prayers.” He said: “These kids were literally praying when they were attacked. This was the first week of school, in a church. We need to act.”
Bishop Kevin Kenney, who grew up in the parish, joined families at the hospital. “It was horrific. It shouldn’t be happening here—or anywhere,” he said.
The White House confirmed it is monitoring the situation, with Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump both offering condolences. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called it a “heinous attack” and pledged federal support for investigators.
The Annunciation shooting comes just two days after another gun attack in south Minneapolis left one person dead and six injured.
“This is the second mass casualty event in 24 hours our hospital has faced,” said Dr. Thomas Wyatt, head of emergency medicine at Hennepin Healthcare. “The toll on families—and our staff—is immense.”
Law enforcement, including the FBI, remains at the scene as investigators search for clues to the gunman’s motive.
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