An active shooter incident occurred at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. The shooting took place during a morning mass attended by both children and adults, just days after the school year began.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara reported that the shooter, a man in his early 20s, primarily fired from outside the church, using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. The victims included two children, ages 8 and 10, who were shot while sitting in the pews. Of the 17 injured, 14 were children, with several in critical condition. Emergency responders transported some of the injured to local hospitals, including Children’s Minnesota, which confirmed that six children were admitted for treatment.

Authorities have stated that the shooter is deceased, believed to have taken his own life. O'Hara noted that the shooter had no known criminal history. Following the incident, police established a reunification zone at the school for families to connect with their children. Parents were seen anxiously waiting for news outside the church as law enforcement secured the area.

In a press conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed his sorrow, stating, "There are no words that can capture the horror and the evil of this unspeakable act. Children are dead." He emphasized the need for safety in schools and places of worship, saying, "They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence."

Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots around 8:30 a.m., with one neighbor estimating as many as 50 shots fired over several minutes. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also addressed the tragedy, stating he was praying for the victims and their families. The FBI is assisting local authorities in the investigation.

The Annunciation Catholic School, which has been part of the community since 1923, had just begun its school year on Monday. The school had scheduled an all-school mass for 8:15 a.m. on the day of the shooting. Recent social media posts from the school depicted children enjoying back-to-school activities, highlighting the stark contrast to the day's tragic events.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violence, officials continue to provide updates on the condition of the injured and the ongoing investigation.