At least two children have lost their lives after a gunman invaded a Catholic church in Minneapolis, opening fire during a mass for the start of the school year hosted by the parish school.
The assailant, dressed entirely in black and reportedly wielding a semiautomatic weapon, “pepper-sprayed” bullets through the stained glass windows of Annunciation Catholic Church earlier today.
A devastated parent attending the mass shared with The Star Tribune that the gunman fired ’50 to 100 shots’ at students and staff seated in pews, tragically taking the lives of two children.
‘This is terrible,’ the parent added. ‘This is evil. I don’t know how you defend against this.’
At least 20 people are feared to have been gunned down in the incident, although authorities have not yet confirmed how many victims there are.
Multiple children have been taken to a nearby hospital, law enforcement sources told KARE. It is unclear exactly how many children have been hurt.
Minnesota state troopers, local police, FBI agents, SWAT officers, paramedics and a large number of ambulances are currently at the scene.
The gunman is dead, law enforcement sources told FOX 9. Daily Mail has approached the church and local police for further information.
At least two children were killed after a gunman “pepper-sprayed” bullets through the stained glass windows at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis this morning.
A state trooper embraces someone in a hug at the scene of the shooting this morning
Parents await news of their children after a reported mass shooting at Annunciation Church
A weeping mother embraces her daughter after being evacuated from Annunciation Catholic Church and school
The shooter stormed Annunciation Catholic Church on 54th Street around 8:30am local time.
Students at Annunciation Catholic School, where classes just started classes on Monday, were in mass at the time of the shooting.
Numerous children are being evacuated from the church, with one nearby resident observing that many were crying and covered in blood as they were led out.
Another local told the Star Tribune that he held hands with three children who suffered gunshot wounds, including one who was shot in the neck.
Children are being guided out of the school and church by their parents, who are being allowed to enter the campus in groups of about a dozen at a time.
A reunification zone has been set up near the church so that families can be reconnected.
Children are being escorted out of the school and church by their parents, who have been permitted to enter the campus in groups of about a dozen at a time
A father holds hands with his son as they evacuate the Annunciation Church and its connected school after a mass shooting this morning
At least 20 people are feared to have been gunned down in the incident, although authorities have not yet confirmed how many victims there are
A mother holds her children in an embrace after being reunited following the shooting
The City of Minneapolis said there is no active threat to the community and 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.’
President Donald Trump has been ‘fully briefed on the tragic shooting’ and says the White House will ‘continue to monitor this terrible situation’.
An active shooter situation is underway at Annunciation Catholic Church on 54th Street in Minneapolis
Minnesota state troopers, local police, FBI agents, paramedics and a large number of ambulances are currently at the scene
Law enforcement officers gather outside Annunciation Church following a mass shooting
Governor Tim Walz added: ‘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.’
‘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.’
Swarms of officers were spotted outside Annunciation Church in Minneapolis
The City of Minneapolis said there is no active threat to the community
Preliminary reports indicate that several people were injured in the mass shoot, although authorities have not yet confirmed the number of victims
Seven people were shot, one fatally, in a separate mass shooting near a Catholic high school in south Minneapolis yesterday reported Kare11.
Police said the suspect, who escaped in a vehicle and does not appear to have been arrested since, fired around 30 rounds from a high-velocity .223 rifle.
Authorities have not confirmed any connection between the shootings.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
