A quiet morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis turned into tragedy Wednesday when a gunman opened fire, killing two children and wounding nearly 20 others. The attack has stunned families and reignited urgent conversations about safety, firearms, and community resilience.
A Morning of Devastation
The shooting began shortly after 8:30 a.m. inside the church that houses the pre-K–8 school. Officials say two students, ages 8 and 10, were fatally struck while seated in pews. At least 17 others, including 14 children, were hurt; two remain in critical condition. Witnesses described the chaos as teachers and parishioners rushed to shield children from the gunfire.
Shooter and Immediate Response
Police identified the suspect only as a man in his early 20s. Armed with multiple weapons, he died from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the rear of the sanctuary. Within minutes, Minneapolis police, federal agents, and medical teams flooded the scene, securing the area and confirming there was no ongoing threat.
Community Voices and Raw Grief
Parents arrived to embrace their children, some sobbing as they left the churchyard. “I just want to hold her and never let go,” one mother said, clutching her daughter. A longtime parish member described hearing “what sounded like an entire magazine unloading,” adding, “You never expect this at a church or a school.”
City leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, called the event “heartbreaking” and praised first responders. Faith leaders have scheduled vigils and counseling sessions for students, staff, and parishioners.
Part of a Wider Pattern
The violence at Annunciation comes during a particularly tense stretch for the city: it was Minneapolis’ fourth deadly shooting in under 24 hours. Experts point to broader trends. Minnesota saw more than 500 firearm-related deaths in 2023, and Minneapolis has struggled with persistent staffing shortages in its police department even as homicides rose in 2024.
Gun violence is not just a city issue. Statewide data show that more than two-thirds of firearm deaths involve suicide, highlighting the complexity of the crisis. Advocates stress the need for prevention programs, mental health care, and strong community engagement alongside law enforcement measures.
A Call for Change
As investigators piece together the shooter’s motives, the neighborhood is left to grieve and search for answers. Outside the school, a local organizer urged action: “We cannot accept this as normal. Our children deserve better.”
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