An active shooter opened fire Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, leaving at least two people dead and as many as 20 victims total, according to law enforcement, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The shooting began shortly after 8:15 a.m., just two days after students had returned for the first week of the school year. Police and first responders swarmed the area surrounding the church and school at 8:30 a.m. after receiving reports of heavy gunfire.
Law enforcement sources confirmed to The New York Post that a male gunman was later found dead. The suspect was described by the Richfield Police Department as “a man dressed in all black and armed with a rifle.” Officials said he is “no longer a threat.”
🚨BREAKING: Suspect has been confirmed dead in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting.
Please pray for the victims 🙏🏻
pic.twitter.com/WZHFVoDAFh [2]— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 27, 2025 [3]
According to a parent who was inside the church at the time, the shooter targeted students during morning Mass.
“He just pepper-sprayed through the stained-glass windows into the building, 50 to 100 shots,” the father told the Star Tribune. He added, “He killed two kids. This is terrible. This is evil. I don’t know how you defend against this.”
The Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, enrolls approximately 374 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The institution is recognized for its strong academic reputation, receiving an A+ rating on Niche.com.
Wednesday’s attack came during the first week of the academic year.
Woman seen crying as she is escorted from the scene at the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting.
Credit: KMSP pic.twitter.com/dw0147YVqo [4]
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 27, 2025 [5]
Authorities have not yet identified the victims. Families were directed to a reunification zone near the school as federal and local officials coordinated the response.
🚨 BREAKING: Two children are dead in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, the Mayor confirms
They were ages 8 and 10.
Please pray for the kids and their families. Including the kids who will be traumatized by this for a long time 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Wl1h0ldWK1 [6]
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 27, 2025 [7]
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz confirmed 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,” Walz posted on X.
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.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 27, 2025 [8]
President Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy Wednesday morning. “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
“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!”
TRUTH SOCIAL🚨: President Trump has quickly been briefed on the sho*ting at a Catholic church/school in Minneapolis – FBI immediately got on-scene. pic.twitter.com/smzA92kpj5 [9]
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) August 27, 2025 [10]
Law enforcement sources said the investigation remains ongoing, with multiple agencies present at the scene. Officials have not yet provided a motive for the attack, and the search for answers continues as families and community members mourn the lives lost in the deadly shooting.