What happened
A gunman opened fire on schoolchildren attending Mass at a church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, killing two children and injuring 17 others in a devastating act of violence.
The shooting took place at Annunciation Church, which is located next to a Catholic school in South Minneapolis. According to police, dozens of students were gathered inside the church for a back-to-school Mass when the attacker began shooting through the windows.
Victims and injuries
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Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed in the pews where they sat.
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17 others were wounded—14 of them were children.
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Two victims are currently in critical condition.
Police say the shooter used multiple firearms, including a rifle, shotgun, and handgun, before taking his own life in the church parking lot.
Authorities respond
“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and people who were worshiping,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara during a press briefing. “The cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of kids is incomprehensible.”
Governor Tim Walz called the incident “horrific” and said he was “praying for our kids and teachers” after what should have been a hopeful first week of school.
A scene of chaos
Live footage showed parents running toward the church, trying to find their children as emergency crews surrounded the area. The attack sent shockwaves through the local community—and the nation.
“This isn’t just about thoughts and prayers,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.”
A grim pattern in America
The Minneapolis church shooting is the latest in a long, tragic line of mass shootings in the U.S., where gun violence continues to affect schools, houses of worship, and everyday public life.
Despite ongoing public outcry, efforts to pass federal gun control legislation remain locked in political gridlock. The U.S. remains a country where firearms outnumber people.
National reaction
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the situation and that the FBI is involved. “Please join me in praying for everyone involved,” he posted on Truth Social.
The shooting comes just days after a wave of false active shooter threats spread across U.S. college campuses, adding to heightened anxiety as students return for the new school year.
