Authorities in Minneapolis reported that on Wednesday, a tragic incident took place at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota, resulting in the death of at least two children and injuries to over a dozen others when a shooter opened fire during a mass.

The shooter, described as a man in his early 20s wearing black, targeted the mass which coincided with the beginning of the school year, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. 

Chief O’Hara explained, “A gunman began shooting with a rifle through the church windows at the children seated in the mass. As he fired through the windows, both children and worshippers inside were hit. The attacker had a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. This was a calculated attack against innocent children and those attending the service. The act of attacking a church filled with children is beyond understanding.”

“Tragically, two young children, just eight and 10 years old, lost their lives while sitting in the pews. Their parents have been informed. In addition, 17 others were injured, with 14 being children,” O’Hara stated, adding that “the shooter eventually took his own life at the back of the church.”

An officer hugs a victim following reports of a shooting that targeted Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Aug. 27, 2025.  (KMSP)

“We are coordinating with our interagency collaborators and will release additional details as they emerge. My thoughts are with the victims and their families in this terrible assault,” she continued.

The St. Paul Office of the ATF noted that their agents “are responding to reports of an active shooter incident at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis.”

President Donald Trump said he has been “fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

“The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” Trump added on Truth Social. 

Police and a church member are seen outside the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (KMSP)

The school at the church serves grades K-8 and began on Monday, Fox 9 reported.