Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis turned tragic when a gunman opened fire during Mass, killing an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old and injuring 17 others, police say.
Before 8:30 a.m. local time, the shooter, armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, approached the school church and fired through windows at children seated in the pews, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OāHara told reporters.
The suspect, a man in his 20s with no extensive criminal history, then took his own life in the rear of the church, OāHara confirmed. Among the injured, 14 are children; two remain in critical condition. The school serves kindergarten through eighth grade students.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed solidarity on X, writing, "Iām praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence." He added, "Minnesota is heartbroken," and urged families to hold their children close.
Hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation lowering flags to half-staff in honor of the victims. On Truth Social, he noted the FBIās quick response and pledged continued White House monitoring of the situation.
This marks the 286th mass shooting in the United States this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The scale of gun violence in schools has become a global concern, driving young activists and policymakers to demand change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
