A morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis turned deadly on Wednesday when an armed attacker opened fire through church windows, killing two children aged 8 and 10 while injuring 17 others. The incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Minnesota history.
Chaos During Morning Service
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed the shooter, a man in his 20s with no significant criminal record, used multiple firearms to target children seated in pews before taking his own life. Fourteen of the injured are students at the K-8 institution, with two remaining in critical condition.
Leadership Responds to Crisis
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as "horrific" in a social media statement, urging communities to "hug their kids" while pledging support for affected families. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff nationwide, stating federal agencies are assisting local authorities.
National Pattern of Violence
This tragedy adds to 286 mass shootings recorded in 2024 by the Gun Violence Archive, reigniting debates about firearm regulations. The incident occurred during students' first week of classes, highlighting ongoing security challenges for educational institutions.
