Tragedy in Minneapolis: Two Children Killed in Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School
Minneapolis, MN — A devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis has left two children dead and over a dozen others injured during a school Mass on August 27, 2025. Law enforcement sources report that at least 20 victims were struck by gunfire, prompting a massive emergency response that included a multitude of police cars and ambulances surrounding the church.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara detailed the events, stating that the shooter, a man in his early 20s dressed in black, opened fire through the church windows during a Mass marking the first week of classes for students. “During the Mass, a gunman approached on the outside of the building and began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews,” O’Hara said. “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
Tragically, two young children, ages eight and ten, were killed in the attack while sitting in the pews. Their parents have been notified. In addition, 17 others were injured, with 14 of those being children. O’Hara added, “The coward who fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence, stating, “There are no words that can capture the horror and the evil of this unspeakable act. We are a Minneapolis family. But to everybody out there, do not think of these as just somebody else’s kids. Those families are suffering immense pain right now. Think of this as if it were your own. Every one of us needs to be wrapping our arms around these families, giving them every ounce that we can muster.”
The Minneapolis Police Department reassured the community, confirming that “there is no active threat to the community at this time” and that the shooter has been contained. A law enforcement source reported to Fox News that the shooter, whose identity has not been disclosed, is deceased.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, and I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”
Hennepin Healthcare confirmed that they are treating those injured in the shooting, while Children’s Minnesota Hospital reported that six children are receiving care. Footage from the scene captured parents leading their children away from the school, visibly shaken by the events. Residents nearby reported hearing such a significant volume of gunfire that they initially thought someone was roofing their house, according to Fox 9.
In response to the tragedy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.”
