A shooting during morning mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school left multiple victims and ended with the gunman dead from a self-inflicted wound. There is no ongoing threat, according to officials.
UPDATE @ 11:58AM EST: During a press conference, authorities confirmed that multiple children were killed. It was confirmed that the suspect fired through the church windows, and was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol. An 8-year-old and 10-year-old were killed, and 17 others were injured. Of the 17 injured, 14 are children.
The suspect reportedly barricaded some of the doors with 2×4’s prior to the shooting.
Original Story:
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (3-minute read) — A terrifying scene unfolded Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, when a shooting occurred during the morning drop-off, just as students were attending mass.
The school, which serves children from kindergarten through eighth grade, had only just begun its academic year. On Wednesdays, students gather for mass at 8:15 a.m., and that’s when gunfire erupted. Authorities have confirmed that there are multiple victims, though their conditions have not yet been disclosed.
City officials quickly assured the public that there is no longer an active threat. The suspected shooter is believed to have died by suicide following the incident. The area, near 54th Street and Lyndale Avenue, remains cordoned off as emergency personnel work at the scene.
🚨 BREAKING: The suspect in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting is DEAD
Mass casuaIty units have been requested.
The school, which goes up to 8th grade, was having an all-school mass this morning
Pray for these students! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/y3QjHqLAmz
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 27, 2025
Governor Tim Walz expressed his sorrow in a public statement, saying, “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.” He also confirmed that state authorities are assisting in the response. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are also on-site, supporting the investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Police have not released information on the shooter’s identity or a possible motive. However, they are conducting interviews and reviewing any surveillance footage from the school and surrounding area. As standard procedure, the school was placed on lockdown, and parents were notified to stay away from the campus while the scene was secured.
This incident is particularly alarming because it took place at a location considered a sanctuary, both a school and a church. It serves as a reminder that even the most routine daily moments, like dropping your child off at school, can suddenly turn dangerous.
From a self-defense and firearm safety standpoint, this tragedy emphasizes the importance of community awareness and proactive security planning. Schools and religious institutions, must consider reviewing emergency protocols and investing in on-site security training for staff.
This is a developing story.
Safety Tip: If you legally carry a concealed firearm, be sure you’re also trained in situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and always understand the laws governing carry in sensitive places like schools or churches.
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