Two children were killed and 17 others injured after a gunman opened fire inside a Catholic church in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 27, authorities confirmed.
At a press conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack at Annunciation Catholic School as an “unthinkable tragedy.” He said officers were called just before 8:30 a.m. after shots were fired during a morning mass service, where dozens of children were gathered for the first week of school.
According to O’Hara, two children, ages 8 and 10, were fatally shot while sitting in the pews. The suspect fired a rifle through the church windows from outside, he said. Of the 17 people wounded, 14 were children, two of whom remain in critical condition.
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Dr. Thomas Wyatt, chair of emergency medicine at Hennepin Healthcare, confirmed at a separate briefing that 11 patients were admitted to the hospital, including nine children. Seven of those victims were reported to be in critical condition. The children ranged in age from 6 to 14.
Investigators said the shooter used three firearms—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities believe the suspect was in his early 20s, but have not determined a motive. Police are also examining a vehicle believed to be connected to the attacker.
Mayor Jacob Frey called the violence “unimaginable,” telling reporters: “You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or pain of this situation. Don’t just say it’s about thoughts and prayers—these kids were literally praying. They should be learning with their friends, playing on the playground, and safe in school or church.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on X that he had been briefed on the attack and that law enforcement had responded swiftly.
“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz wrote.
