Shooter Kills Two Children, Injures 17 at Minneapolis Church
A gunman opened fire during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, killing two children and injuring 17 others, most of them students.
The victims, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, were fatally shot while seated in the pews.
Seventeen others, including 14 children and 3 adults, were wounded, with two children in critical condition. The injured were rushed to Hennepin Healthcare, where some required surgery, and others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities said the shooter, described as a man in his early 20s, approached the church at approximately 8:30 a.m. CDT.
He fired multiple rounds from a rifle, shotgun, and pistol through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting those inside during the service. The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Emergency responders from local, state, and federal agencies including the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rushed to the scene.
Authorities contained the shooter quickly and directed parents to a reunification center at a nearby location.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the suspect had no major criminal history, and said authorities were also reviewing his online activity for any signs of a motive.
“This was an unthinkable act of violence against innocent children,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “These children were literally praying when they became victims of this senseless shooting.”
Governor Tim Walz also condemned the attack, calling it an “unspeakable tragedy.” President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
The community has been left in shock, with vigils and prayer services planned to honor the victims. While officials continue to investigate, the focus remains on supporting the families affected by the devastating incident.
