At least two children were killed when a gunman stormed into a Catholic church in Minneapolis and opened fire during the parish school's back-to-school mass. The gunman, who was dressed in all black and reportedly carrying a semiautomatic weapon, sprayed bullets through the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Catholic Church this morning.
The gunman, who is yet to be identified by cops, was shot dead by cops minutes after the attack. Law enforcement said that there is currently no ongoing threat. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, while a reunification area has been set up for families at the school, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Gunman Fired Over 100 Rounds
A grieving parent who was present at the mass told The Star Tribune that the gunman unleashed "50 to 100 shots" while students and staff were seated in the pews, killing two children. "This is terrible," the parent added. 'This is evil. I don't know how you defend against this."
Authorities have not yet released an official count, but it is feared that as many as 20 people may have been shot in the attack.
Several children were rushed to a nearby hospital, though the exact number of those injured remains unclear, law enforcement sources told KARE.
A heavy response is underway, with Minnesota state troopers, local police, FBI agents, SWAT teams, paramedics, and numerous ambulances at the scene.
"I've been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information," Governor Tim Walz said. "The BCA and State Patrol are on scene. I'm praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence."
Law enforcement sources confirmed to FOX 9 that the shooter is dead.
Classes at Annunciation Catholic School had just begun on Monday, and students were attending mass this morning when a gunman opened fire, Fox 9 reported.
More Casualties Feared
The City of Minneapolis has confirmed that there is no ongoing danger to the public and that the shooter at Annunciation Church has been contained. "There is an active police situation at Annunciation Church, 509 W. 54th St. There is no active threat to the community at this time. The shooter is contained," the city said on X.
"Stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to help victims – W. 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet Ave."
"I'm monitoring reports of horrific violence in South Minneapolis. I'm in touch with Chief O'Hara and our emergency response team has been activated," Mayor Jacob Frey said.
"We will share more information as soon as we can. Please give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation."
A separate mass shooting near a Catholic high school in south Minneapolis yesterday left seven people wounded and one dead, according to Kare11.
Police reported that the gunman, who fled in a vehicle and has not yet been arrested, fired roughly 30 shots with a high-powered .223 rifle.
