Two Children Killed in Minneapolis School Shooting
In the fragile calm of the first full week of classes, Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis became the site of an unspeakable tragedy. During a morning Mass held for students and their families, an armed assailant opened fire through stained-glass windows, killing two children and injuring about 20 others before parents, staff, and emergency responders could fully grasp the horror unfolding inside. Authorities have confirmed the attacker then turned the weapon on himself, ending the immediate threat.
A Morning of Hope Turned to Horror
Annunciation Catholic School, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, had just resumed in-person learning on Monday. On Wednesday morning, at approximately 8:15 a.m. CDT, the school’s all‑school Mass—an event tied closely to the institution's faith‑based tradition—was underway when the gunman struck. Reports vary on the exact number of victims, but consensus indicates that two children were killed, both aged around 8 and 10, while around 20 others sustained injuries—with many being children and several in critical condition.
Witnesses recounted a terrifying barrage of gunfire: “50 to 100 shots” allegedly blasted through the stained-glass façade, prompting parents to describe scenes of panic as children rushed to find cover. One eyewitness said the assault, which sounded like it came from a rifle, lasted "several minutes"—an eternity in moments like these.
Attack Neutralized, Community Left in Shock
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara labeled the incident a “deliberate act of violence,” confirming that law enforcement and federal agencies—including the FBI, ATF, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and State Patrol—responded rapidly. The shooter, described as a man in his early 20s dressed in black and armed with a rifle, died by suicide at the scene. By mid-morning, officials announced there was “no active threat to the community” and urged residents to avoid the area to allow first responders to work safely.
Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed it was treating five children, while other facilities such as Hennepin Healthcare also received victims—though patient details are being withheld to preserve family privacy. Among the injured, at least two children remain in critical condition.
Leaders React
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the event as a “horrific act of violence” and conveyed his prayers for the children, teachers, and families affected. At the same time, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued an emotional plea, urging citizens to back affected families and not rely solely on “thoughts and prayers,” especially considering the victims were children attending Mass.
On a national level, former President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed” on the tragedy and affirmed that the FBI and White House were monitoring the response.
A City in Mourning
The mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School arrived amid a harrowing wave of gun violence in Minneapolis. In the 48 hours prior, the city had endured multiple shootings, including one near Cristo Rey Jesuit High School where a man died and six were wounded. The frequency and proximity of these events underscore the urgent need for a renewed public conversation on safety, mental health, and gun control—one that many local leaders and community members are demanding.
Emergency centers have been activated to assist survivors and their families, with outreach efforts underway to provide counseling and logistical support.
Looking Ahead
As Minneapolis begins its recovery, the toll of this tragedy will be measured not only in lives lost but in trauma endured. For the community at Annunciation, once a place of peace and faith, solace must now be found in collective resilience, compassionate action, and a firm commitment to preventing such senseless violence from ever occurring again.
Authorities continue to investigate, though no motive or suspect identity has been released. In the coming days, they are expected to share updates on the investigation’s progress, medical status of the injured, and support structures for the grieving community.