Officials responded to a mass-casualty shooting Wednesday morning at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The shooting took place about 8:30 a.m. at the Annunciation Church, which has a kindergarten-through-8th-grade school on the property. The shooter fired from outside the building through a window and shot children and staff members who were attending morning mass.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says the shooter who was in his early twenties was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol.
“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping,” O’Hara said at a midday news conference. “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
“Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed where they sat.”
Seventeen other individuals, 14 of whom are children, were also injured, with two listed in critical condition.
“The coward that fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church,” O’Hara said. “This deliberate act of violence is just a sign of cruelty that is beyond comprehension.”
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports: “An Annunciation parent who was sitting in the back pew at the 8:15 a.m. Mass said students were packed into the pews when a shooter opened fire outside the building with some kind of semiautomatic weapon.”
“He just pepper-sprayed through the stained-glass windows into the building, 50 to 100 shots,” said the parent, who did not want his name used. “He killed two kids.”
Children were seen leaving school hand-in-hand with their parents and guardians on Wednesday after a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, #Minnesota. As many as 20 people were injured and the shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound,… pic.twitter.com/F1XMb2KNlN
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 27, 2025
“There are no words that can capture the horror and evil of this act,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. “Do not think of these as just somebody else’s kids … Think of this as if it were your own.”
“These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in church. These are kids who should be learning with their friends.”
“I’m so deeply saddened and so sorry to the families that are suffering right now.”
BREAKING: Active Shooter at Annunciation Catholic School (Annunciation Church) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suspect is dead.
Praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.#DonaldTrump President Trump: “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in… pic.twitter.com/CAOdOzn2Zn
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) August 27, 2025
“FBI is aware of the reports coming out of @FBIMinneapolis and our agents are en route to the scene. We will provide more updates as able,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
BREAKING: The sh00ter that opened fire at Annunciation Church and Catholic school in Minneapolis has reportedly k*lled himself after spraying 50-100 shots, k*lling at least two children, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Parent: “He just pepper-sprayed through the… pic.twitter.com/tbn1idmdhJ
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) August 27, 2025
BREAKING: MASS SHOOTING REPORTED AT A CHURCH IN MINNESOTA
At least 10 people have been shot at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, according to officers at the scene.
Several fatalities are reported, though police have not yet confirmed.
The shooting began around 8:30… pic.twitter.com/R6XuwnOwOA
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 27, 2025
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social: “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!”
#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Active shooter situation at the Annunciation Church massive police and emergency response this is near school as well in Minneapolis, Minnesota mayor says reports of horrific violence at the church the gunman targeted daily mass at the church. Unconfirmed… pic.twitter.com/S9bqLFXdWf— Todd Paron (@tparon) August 27, 2025
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said: “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.”
A deadly shooting has erupted at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota with multiple people shot and fatalities reported.
Police have flooded the area as chaos unfolds around the Catholic church which is also home to a K-8 school. pic.twitter.com/gbUnh2xP4J
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) August 27, 2025
Please take a moment to pray.
An active shooting situation is underway at a Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
Early reports indicate multiple victims, including children. A K-8 school is on the property.
The FBI is responding to the scene. pic.twitter.com/ZM49GUsPyE
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 27, 2025
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated: “The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis is horrifying. Praying for the children, families and first responders during this moment of terror and unimaginable grief. Weapons of war have no place in our neighborhoods, streets or schools.”
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., indicated: “I am beyond heartbroken over the tragic news of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. I am praying for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy. I will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates.”
This is a breaking story, refresh for latest developments …
Follow Joe on X @JoeKovacsNews
