Tragedy in Minneapolis School Shooting Shakes Community

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during the first week of the school year at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, a horrific mass shooting unfolded during an all-school Mass held in the adjoining church. The incident shocked families, faith communities, and the city at large.

Morning of Horror

At approximately 8:30 a.m. CDT, a lone gunman—described as a man in his early 20s without any significant criminal history—opened fire from outside the building. Authorities report the attacker wielded multiple firearms including a semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, and discharged somewhere between 50 and 100 rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows as worshippers, including young children, gathered inside.

Eyewitnesses described sheer terror as bullets flew into the pews where children sat. One report noted how survivors said the shooter “fired into a mass full of kids”. Law enforcement confirmed that at least 14 children were among those injured.

Human Toll

Tragically, the shooting left two children dead, ages 8 and 10, who were killed during the incident. Another report offered a slight variation, stating that “three people [including the shooter]” were dead, though official confirmation centers on the two child victims and the shooter himself.

Meanwhile, 17 others were injured, the majority of them children. Several were taken to local hospitals—including Children’s Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare; five children were specifically confirmed as hospitalized. Some reports describe up to 20 victims, possibly combining both injured and deceased counts.

Shooter Neutralized

Officials confirmed that the shooter died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, effectively neutralizing the threat. Law enforcement stated there was no longer an active threat to the community.

Swift Response

Law enforcement, including local police, state agencies, the FBI, and the ATF, rapidly converged on the scene to secure the area and assist victims. Officials activated emergency protocols and set up reunification zones to help families locate loved ones safely.

By approximately 10:29 a.m. EST, city authorities had issued an all-clear notice, signaling that the immediate danger had passed

Leadership & Community Reaction

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the act as “horrific,” stating he had been immediately briefed and called for prayers for the “kids and teachers whose first week was marred by this violence” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey likewise expressed grief and emphasized that the emergency response team had been activated, coordinating closely with police leadership President Donald Trump issued a public statement, noting that the White House had been fully briefed and praising the FBI’s swift reaction, imploring others to join him in praying for those affected,

Scope and Context

The attack occurred in one of America’s most sacred spaces—not just a school, but a church filled with young children. The school building, founded in 1923, serves grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, making the timing all the more devastating: it came just days after the school year began, and during a first-week Mass .

Compounding the trauma, this incident followed a string of shootings in Minneapolis over the prior 24 hours, highlighting a pattern of gun violence the community had already been grappling with.

On the Ground: Families and Schools

Parents and locals were in shock, recounting how students were evacuated amid chaos and sirens. In one heartbreaking moment, parents led children away from the site, clutching them tightly as they fled the scene Hospitals confirmed receiving multiple patients. Reports particularly noted five children admitted to Children’s Minnesota hospital, while others were treated at Hennepin Healthcare.

Investigations Launched

With multiple agencies now involved, the incident remains under active investigation. Officials are probing the shooter’s motive, background, and potential failings leading to the tragedy

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Date & Time	August 27, 2025, ~8:30 a.m. CDT
Location	Annunciation Catholic School & Church, Minneapolis
Victims	2 children killed (ages 8 & 10); 17–20 others injured (primarily children)
Shooter	Male in early 20s, no known criminal history, died by suicide
Response	Police, BCA, FBI, ATF involved; city issued all-clear by 10:29 a.m.
Leaders’ Reactions	Statements of grief and coordination from Gov. Walz, Mayor Frey, President Trump
Investigation	Ongoing; agencies actively probing motive and circumstances

This horrifying attack shattered what should have been a moment of joy the first full week of school—and forever changed families, first responders, and the broader Minneapolis community. It underlines the urgent need for policies and protections to safeguard schools and places of worship spaces where children are supposed to be safe.

My heart goes out to all those affected. If you'd like, I can help you explore how communities respond after such tragedies, update on memorials, or provide guidance on supporting survivors and families.