An 8-year-old and 10-year-old were shot and killed when a gunman fired shots through the windows of a church at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, police said, APA reports citing ABC News.
Seventeen others, including 14 children, were injured during the shooting during a Mass that marked the first week of school, police said. Two children are in critical condition, police said.
The gunman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said.
The mass shooting unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. when the gunman approached the side of the building and fired a rifle through the church windows toward the children and other worshippers sitting in the pews, O’Hara said.
Dozens of rounds were fired, the chief said, and he called it a "deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping."
The gunman -- described as in his early 20s -- was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, and police believe he fired from all three weapons, the chief said.
"We are looking through information left behind to try and determine some type of motive," the chief said.
***19:04
At least 20 people are injured after a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, APA reports, citing LBC.
The shooter, who has been "neutralised", reportedly stormed Annunciation Catholic Church at around 8:30am local time as children attended their first mass of the school year.
Minnesota state troopers, local police, FBI agents and paramedics are on the scene as the situation unfolds.
Initial reports suggested at least four people were injured, with the shooter dead.
Children have been seen leaving the church following the shocking attack.
Taking to TruthSocial, Donald Trump said he has been "fully briefed" on the "terrible situation" unfolding in Minneapolis
"The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene," he wrote.
"The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!"
Witnesses report a person dressed in all black, holding an assault rifle, was spotted on church grounds.
State Governor Tim Walz took to Twitter and wrote: "I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information.
"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."
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey said: "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. We will share more information as soon as we can. Please give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation."
Following the attack, the official City of Minneapolis on X confirmed the shooter had been neutralised, but a crime scene remains in place.
