A gunman’s rampage at a Minneapolis Catholic school on Wednesday led to the deaths of two children and left 17 others wounded, an event the city’s police chief described as an “absolutely incomprehensible” act of aggression.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, speaking at a later press briefing, the attack took place just before 8:30 a.m. local time as the victims participated in a morning Mass, marking the commencement of the academic year at Annunciation Catholic School. The two deceased children, aged eight and 10, were seated in the church pews, O’Hara confirmed. Their parents have since been informed. Among the 17 injured, 14 are children, with two reported to be in critical condition.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated at the briefing, “No words can adequately convey the horror and malevolence of this unspeakable event.” He added, “Do not simply offer thoughts and prayers at this moment; these children were literally in the act of praying.”
O’Hara reported that the assailant, discovered deceased later from what officials suspect was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, approached the church from the exterior side and discharged firearms through the windows, targeting children in the pews during Mass. Investigators recovered a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, estimating that the suspect fired “dozens” of rounds from these three firearms.
“This constitutes a deliberate act of aggression aimed at innocent children and other congregants,” O’Hara declared. “The sheer brutality and cravenness of shooting into a church filled with children is utterly beyond comprehension.”
O’Hara mentioned that on the church side where the shooter initiated the assault, a minimum of two building entrances appeared to have been externally blocked with two-by-fours.
Upon reaching the site, officers administered first aid and helped individuals concealed within the premises. Subsequent arrivals of other first responders facilitated the transportation of victims to local medical facilities.
The inquiry remains active. O’Hara withheld the gunman’s identity but indicated that authorities suspect a single shooter, described as being in his early 20s with no prior criminal record. O’Hara stated that investigators are currently sifting through details to ascertain a potential motive. At present, any connection between the suspect and the school is unconfirmed, O’Hara noted.
Per O’Hara, scores of children were present in the church during the shooting. These children were subsequently relocated to the school and reunited with their relatives.
Officials from the city extended their sympathies to the victims’ families, assuring them of community support.
“To the grieving families, to those who have endured loss: My deepest apologies,” Frey conveyed. “We pledge to stand by you throughout this ordeal. We cherish you. This form of malevolent act should never occur, yet it happens with alarming frequency.”
As of Wednesday, 286 mass shootings have been reported this year. Comparatively, there were 503 in 2024, 659 in 2023, and 644 in 2022, according to the .
On Truth Social, President Donald Trump stated he had received a “full briefing” regarding the Minneapolis shooting, further adding, “The White House will maintain surveillance of this dreadful situation. I urge you to join me in prayer for all affected!”
Trump ordered that the American flag at the White House be lowered to half-staff until sunset on August 31st, as a mark of respect for those killed in the shooting.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed on social media that the state “is devastated” by the unfortunate event.
Walz further added, “My thoughts are with our children and educators whose initial week of school was overshadowed by this dreadful act of aggression.”