WASHINGTON — Leaders across the U.S. are expressing their condolences following a tragic mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota, which left two children dead and at least 17 injured. The incident has been described as a “terrible situation.”

The Minneapolis Police reported that the assailant started firing from outside, targeting the church while schoolchildren were gathered inside for an all-school mass.

This tragic event occurred on the first day of school, as shown in social media images of students in green uniforms sharing smiles, greeting each other by the bicycle racks, and posing for photos together.

As more details are revealed, a press conference on Wednesday morning confirmed that two young victims, aged 8 and 10, lost their lives in the attack. Additionally, at least 17 people, including 14 children, sustained injuries.

Here are the responses from elected officials and government officials to the shooting: 

The Republican president swiftly addressed the situation on Truth Social, affirming that the FBI was actively involved in the response and assuring ongoing oversight of the incident by his administration.

“I have been thoroughly informed about the tragic events in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” Trump stated. “The FBI responded promptly and is already on site. The White House will maintain vigilance over this dreadful situation. Please join me in keeping all those affected in your prayers!”

The White House sent out a message Wednesday afternoon confirming that Trump has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and at all federal buildings. 

“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, August 31, 2025,” the proclamation reads. “I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

Kristi Noem, Trump’s Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said her agency was monitoring the situation. 

“DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis,” Noem posted on X. “We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.” 

The head of the FBI said agents were on scene shortly after the shooting, and would provide updates as more information becomes available. 

“We are aware of reports of a shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota,” he said. “FBI agents are on scene, and we ask everyone to keep potential victims,  civilians or law enforcement in harm’s way in your prayers. The @FBI will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Gov. Tim Walz called the gunfire “horrific” on social media Wednesday morning, saying he had been briefed on the situation. 

“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,” he wrote on X. 

“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

The Minnesota senator posted on X that she was “heartbroken” by the attack. 

“I am heartbroken by the horrific violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis this morning” she wrote. “My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families, and I am grateful for the first responders who are on the scene.” 

Minnesota’s junior senator said her office was monitoring the situation in Minneapolis and thanked law enforcement for their quick response. 

“My staff and I are monitoring the situation at Annunciation Catholic School. I’m grateful for the quick response of law enforcement as we continue to gather information,” she posted. “It’s the first week of school. These kids should not be fearing for their lives.”

Pope Leo XIV has sent a telegram of condolences over the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, calling it a “terrible tragedy” and saying he was praying for relatives of the dead and injured “at this extremely difficult time.”

Leo, history’s first American pope, said he was “profoundly saddened” to learn about the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School church. He sent his condolences “to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.”

The Chicago-born Leo said he was praying for those injured and the medical teams and first responders at the scene, and for the broader Catholic community.

The telegram was signed by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and was addressed to Archbishop Bernard Hebda, the archbishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis.