Gunfire erupted Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during morning mass.
The shooter fired through church windows with a rifle, also carrying a shotgun and pistol.
Police confirmed two children, ages eight and ten, died and 17 others suffered injuries.
Authorities contained the shooter, who killed himself, leaving no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials Condemn Attack
Police chief Brian O’Hara called the shooting “sheer cruelty and cowardice” during a press briefing.
Governor Tim Walz labeled the attack “horrific” and prayed for students and teachers.
Children’s Minnesota admitted five victims, and Hennepin Healthcare treated additional patients from the shooting.
President Donald Trump said federal officials monitored the “tragic shooting” closely.
Families Evacuated
Authorities evacuated the school and guided families to a reunification zone safely.
Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, was holding morning mass on the first day of term.
Social media showed students enjoying back-to-school events, summer art projects, and ice pops.
Families faced sudden trauma after the joyful first-week celebrations turned deadly.
Rising Violence in Minneapolis
This shooting marked the fourth fatal incident in the city in less than 24 hours.
Tuesday’s high school shooting killed one and wounded six, followed by two more fatalities elsewhere.
Authorities also responded to hoax shooting calls at over a dozen U.S. college campuses.
Universities issued “run, hide, fight” alerts as recorded gunshots caused nationwide panic.
