Tragic Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic School Claims Lives of Two Children

In a devastating incident on Wednesday, August 27, a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during the school’s opening week mass, resulting in the deaths of two young children aged 8 and 10. Authorities confirmed that 17 others, including students and staff, sustained injuries in the attack.

Details of the Attack

The assailant, clad entirely in black and armed with a semiautomatic firearm, unleashed a barrage of bullets through the church’s stained glass windows. Eyewitnesses described the shooter firing between 50 to 100 rounds while students and faculty were seated in the pews. A grieving parent who witnessed the event told The Star Tribune, “This is pure evil. I can’t fathom how anyone can prepare for something like this.”

Casualties and Response

While initial reports suggest that at least 20 individuals may have been shot, official numbers remain unconfirmed. Law enforcement sources have since reported that the shooter was neutralized at the scene. Governor Tim Walz described the event as “horrific” and expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “I am praying for our children and educators whose first week of school has been shattered by this senseless violence.”

Emergency Services and Community Impact

As police, FBI agents, and emergency medical teams swarmed the location, students were evacuated to safety. Hennepin Healthcare, home to Minnesota’s largest emergency department, confirmed it was actively treating victims from the shooting. The hospital’s spokesperson refrained from releasing further details but assured the public of ongoing care for the injured.

Broader Context and Official Reactions

This tragic event adds to a recent surge in gun violence in Minneapolis. Just a day prior, multiple shootings across the city resulted in several casualties, including one fatality and multiple injuries near a local high school. President Donald Trump acknowledged the shooting on Truth Social, confirming he had been briefed and that the White House was monitoring the situation closely.

The school had planned an all-school Mass at 8:15 a.m. on the day of the shooting. Social media posts from the first day of classes showed students in green uniforms happily interacting, a stark contrast to the tragedy that unfolded days later.

Moving Forward

As Minneapolis grapples with this heartbreaking event, community leaders and law enforcement continue to investigate the motives behind the attack and work towards ensuring the safety of students and residents. The incident has reignited discussions on school security and gun control measures nationwide.