Gunman Attacks Minneapolis Catholic School, Killing Two Children and Injuring 17

Minneapolis, Minnesota, A black-clad gunman opened fire on students attending Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, killing two children and wounding 17 others before taking his own life, authorities confirmed.

The assailant, described as a man in his early 20s, unleashed dozens of rounds through the church windows while students and staff gathered for worship. Police said he was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol.

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and worshippers. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters.

The attack came just two days after the start of the new school year at the private elementary school, which serves about 395 students in southeast Minneapolis. Television footage showed distraught parents rushing to the scene, ducking under yellow police tape as officers led children out of the building.

Authorities withheld the shooter’s identity and said they were still working to determine a motive. He reportedly had no significant criminal history. Investigators are also reviewing online videos believed to have been posted by the suspect, according to law enforcement sources.

Hospitals across the city reported treating 15 children and two adults, many suffering from gunshot wounds.

The incident has reignited national debate over gun violence in schools. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, more than 140 school shootings have occurred in the United States so far this year.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack with visible anger. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church,” he said.

President Donald Trump said he had been briefed and confirmed FBI involvement in the investigation. “Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he posted on social media. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that her department was in contact with local officials and monitoring the situation closely.