Two children killed, 17 wounded in Minneapolis church shooting
2 Min Read
A gunman opened fire inside a Minneapolis church during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others before taking his own life.
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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sits on the steps of the Annunciation Church's school as police respond to a reported mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP)
A deadly shooting unfolded Wednesday inside a Minneapolis church, where a gunman opened fire on children gathered for Mass, leaving two young pupils dead and 17 others injured, according to authorities.
Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the attacker, a man in his early twenties, stormed into the Annunciation Church during a service marking the first week of school. The church, which sits beside an affiliated school in the city's south, was filled with children and teachers.
"Two young children, ages eight and 10, were killed where they sat in the pews," O'Hara said, adding that the injured included 14 minors. "This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible."
O'Hara said the shooter used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol before ending his own life in the church parking lot. Two of the wounded remain in critical condition.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote on X that he was "praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence."
Footage from the scene showed terrified parents rushing to collect their children as emergency crews surrounded the church.
This could win a Pulitzer.
— larsleafblad (@larsleafblad) August 27, 2025
Captures every parent’s worst nightmare.
“A parent runs toward the school after the shooting Wednesday at Annunciation Church in south Minneapolis.”@StarTribune pic.twitter.com/XG930Bu5yq
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack in emotional remarks. "Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church. These are kids that should be learning with their friends," he said. "They should be playing on the playground. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence."
Powerful words from the Mayor of Minneapolis “And don't just say, this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.” Action, not talk. Absolutely heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/SAW1FVvaup
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) August 27, 2025
President Donald Trump confirmed he had been briefed and that the FBI was on the ground. "The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!" he wrote on Truth Social.
Wednesday's shooting adds to the long list of US school-related tragedies, underscoring the country's struggle with gun violence.
Read more: US Brooklyn's mass shooting leaves 3 dead, 8 injured
