A tragic incident unfolded in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire at a Catholic school during a morning mass, marking the first week of classes. The attack resulted in the death of two children, aged 8 and 10, and left 17 others, mostly children, injured. The incident occurred at the Annunciation Church, which was immediately surrounded by first responders and law enforcement following reports of heavy gunfire around 8:30 a.m.
The gunman, a male, was later found dead, according to law enforcement. Initial police alerts described the shooter as a man dressed in all black, armed with a rifle, and reported at least 20 victims. The children were in the middle of their prayers when the incident occurred, as stated by Mayor Jacob Frey during a news conference.
Six of the injured children were being treated at Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital. Hennepin Healthcare, home to Minnesota’s largest emergency department, also reported caring for victims of the shooting.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his sorrow for the children and teachers whose first week of school was marred by such a horrific act of violence. He confirmed that he had been briefed on the situation and would continue to provide updates as more information became available.
City officials confirmed that the shooter had been contained and assured the public that there was no active threat to the community. Mayor Jacob Frey, who was closely monitoring the situation, urged the public to give the officers the space they needed to respond to the situation.
The school, located adjacent to the church, caters to students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students had just returned to class on Monday. A weekly “all-school mass” was scheduled to take place at 8:15 a.m., according to the church and school’s website.
Scores of local and state police, federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents, and other authorities were spotted in the vicinity of the scene. A reunification zone was set up near the school, while others were being urged to stay away to allow emergency personnel to help victims. Parents were seen escorting students from the school in the aftermath of the incident.