Authorities reported that a tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire at a Catholic school, resulting in the deaths of at least two students and injuring 17 others.
The shooter, a 20-year-old, barricaded the church doors before taking his own life. Officials noted that he was dressed in black and armed with a rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun.
The victims who lost their lives were just 8 and 10 years old. Currently, at least four children remain in critical condition, as stated by the head of emergency care at one of the three hospitals treating those injured.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed his sorrow at a press conference, remarking, “I wouldn’t say this is just about thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying.” He added that it was the first week back to school and the children were in church.
Some children remain in critical condition
The emergency medical director at Hennepin County Medical Center confirmed that 11 individuals were admitted post-shooting, with four of them—who are all children—requiring surgery.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, 14 of the 17 victims were children.
Six children were noted to be receiving care at a pediatric trauma hospital, though their conditions were not immediately available.
Some victims were also taken to M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.
The shooter fired mid-morning
The assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed, initially shot through a window while children were in prayer, then proceeded inside the church and opened fire with all three firearms, according to O’Hara.
During a conversation on MSNBC, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) shared that a longtime staff member had three children present at the school during the incident. “These kids were doing Mass with the whole school, and we had to witness some of her friends getting shot,” she told the outlet. One child suffered a shot to the neck and another sustained more serious injuries.
Bill Bienemann, a resident two blocks from the school, reported hearing 30 to 50 shots over several minutes. He described the gunfire as sporadic and noted, “It was semi-automatic, definitely a rifle. It didn’t sound like a handgun at all.”
Investigations are ongoing
Police are still searching for clarity on the motive behind this crime, which O’Hara termed “unintelligible.” He indicated they will probe into the details and uncover why the shooter targeted the Announcement Church and the vehicle he arrived in.
Authorities are investigating whether the shooter had any connections as a former employee or alumnus of the school.
ATF officials were among the first responders at the scene and have begun tracing the firearms used in the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned he arrived immediately after the incident.
Context of shooting in Minneapolis
This school shooting occurred within a day of another mass shooting in Minneapolis, which took place on Tuesday afternoon. In that incident, one person was killed and six others injured when a gunman fired numerous shots at a group on the sidewalk opposite Christray Jesuit High School.
The weapon used in that attack was identified as a high-powered rifle. O’Hara criticized the level of violence, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Although the investigation continues, police have not yet apprehended the suspect.
On the same day, two additional people lost their lives in two separate shootings, including a man in his 20s about a mile from the first incident.
At 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday, police reported that another shooter approached a group outside and opened fire, killing one man and injuring another. Whether this shooting is related to the previous events remains unclear.
This wave of violence has stirred significant concern, especially as it follows the tragic deaths of former state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband in a shooting just months prior.
