2 dead, 17 injured in shooting at Minneapolis Catholic church, during school mass: police

Two people are dead, and 17 injured after a shooting on Wednesday at a Minneapolis Catholic church, where students from the church's school were attending a mass, according to police.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said at a news conference that officers responded just before 8:30 a.m. local time to a shooting at a mass at the Annunciation Catholic Church during the students' first week of school. During the mass, the gunman approached the outside of the building, began shooting at the church windows, striking children and other worshipers at the mass. The shooter had a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol.

O'Hara added that this was "a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping."

He said that officers responded to the scene, entered the church, gave first aid, and rescued children inside the building. First responders arrived, and emergency medical services rushed victims to local hospitals.

The two children who were killed were aged eight and 10, and died while sitting in the church's pews, O'Hara said. Of the 17 people injured, 14 are children. Two of the injured children are in critical condition.

The shooter, who was in his early 20s, took his own life in the rear of the church, the police chief said. The gunman has no known criminal history at this time, and it is unknown whether he used to attend or work at the school.

Police are searching what they believe to be the suspect's vehicle and will conduct other related searches.

The Annunciation Catholic School, the students of which were attending mass, is for pre-K to eighth grade.

The school was evacuated, and the families of students were later directed to a “reunification zone” at the school.

Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, told The Associated Press that it is treating five children injured in the shooting. Hennepin Healthcare said it was also caring for people injured in the shooting.

"I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) posted on X. "The BCA and State Patrol are on scene. I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence."

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also responding to the scene.

President Trump posted on Truth Social regarding the shooting, saying, "I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!"

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X, "DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families."