Minneapolis, August 27, 2025 — A devastating event unfolded early Wednesday morning during a school-wide Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, located on the far south side of Minneapolis. The school, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, was holding its first-week-of-school Mass when chaos erupted.
Just before 8:30 a.m., a male gunman, dressed in black and believed to be in his early 20s, opened fire from outside the church. Witnesses reported the shooter unleashed between 50 to 100 rounds through stained-glass windows using three weapons — a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol.
Police confirmed two children—an eight-year-old and a ten-year-old—were killed while sitting in the pews, and at least 17 others were injured, 14 of whom were children. Many victims were rushed to area hospitals. Hennepin Healthcare received 11 patients, including nine children between ages 6 and 14, seven of whom were in critical condition; four required surgery. Children’s Minnesota also admitted several injured children.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the incident an “unthinkable tragedy,” describing the attack as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping”. The shooter, who acted alone and had no known criminal history according to authorities, fatally shot himself at the scene. Investigators are examining his vehicle and personal history to determine a motive.
City and state leaders expressed their grief and outrage. Mayor Jacob Frey urged that this moment be more than “thoughts and prayers,” noting, “these kids were literally praying”—a poignant reminder of the innocence shattered by the violence. Governor Tim Walz said he had been briefed on the shooting and offered prayers for the children and teachers affected. Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, descended on the scene to assist in the investigation.
Authorities reported no active threat remained following the incident. A citywide alert—issued around 9:20 a.m.—declared the shooter contained and the situation under control.
This massacre comes amid an alarming wave of gun violence in Minneapolis, with this incident occurring less than 24 hours after another fatal shooting near a Jesuit high school.
As the city mourns, families were directed to a reunification zone while emergency units worked to tend to the wounded and secure the scene. The search for answers continues.
