Gunfire erupted Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during morning mass.
Police reported the shooter fired a rifle through church windows while carrying a shotgun and pistol.
The attacker killed two students, aged eight and ten, and injured 17 others before taking his own life.
Authorities confirmed the shooter is contained and no longer poses an active threat to the community.
Officials React to Tragedy
Police chief Brian O’Hara condemned the attack as “sheer cruelty and cowardice” during a press briefing.
Governor Tim Walz called the shooting “horrific” and prayed for children and teachers affected by the violence.
Children’s Minnesota admitted five injured students, while Hennepin Healthcare treated additional victims from the shooting.
President Donald Trump said he received briefings on the “tragic shooting” and pledged continued federal monitoring.
Families and School Evacuate
Authorities evacuated students and guided families to a reunification zone on school grounds.
Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, held morning mass on the first day of the school term.
Recent posts on social media showed students enjoying back-to-school activities, art projects, and ice pops.
Families now face shock and grief after a day meant for celebration turned deadly.
Rising Gun Violence in Minneapolis
This shooting marked Minneapolis’ fourth fatal incident in under 24 hours.
On Tuesday, gunfire outside a high school killed one person and injured six more.
Later the same day, two separate shootings claimed two additional lives in the city.
Across the nation, hoax shooting threats hit at least a dozen college campuses, spreading fear.
Universities issued “run, hide, fight” alerts after some calls included fake gunshot sounds.
