On Wednesday morning, a gunman fired upon people at Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting 2 Children Killed, 17 Injured in Chapel Attack. He killed himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. One of the most deadly shootings of the year in a school has left a city and a community of faith shattered and the nation again with question of safety, violence and prevention.
The Attack at Morning Mass
Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting just after 8.30 a.m. when students, parents and staff members were present in the school chapel to open the first Mass of the academic year. The male suspect was in his early 20s and was wearing black attire; it was alleged that he carried various weapons, a rifle, shotgun, and a pistol. By police and eyewitness reports, he discharged dozens of rounds. Some say 50 to 100 into the windows of the stained glass of the church, causing pieces of glass to fly into the children and adults crowded inside.
Those that witnessed the events were able to explain the scenes of terror and confusion as the teachers hurried to protect students as the gunfire tore through the sanctuary. It was at first thought to be fireworks, Maria Lopez, a parent who had been attending the Mass said but then glass broke and children started to scream. I watched three children thrown by a teacher. Everybody was endeavoring to get on the ground.
Suspect Found Dead
When police arrived a few minutes after the initial 911 call, the gunfire was no longer firing. The shooter was found dead outside the church later on by officers with what the investigators claimed was a self inflicted gunshot wound. Law-enforcement agencies verified that he was a lone gunman and would not present any further threat. No official release of his name has yet taken place but authorities reported that he was a local resident.
Victims and Casualties
The ringing of the violence is disastrous. Two 8- and 10-year-old children died at the scene. There were 17 more injured, and among them 14 children, some of whom were in a critical condition as of Wednesday evening.
The Minnesota hospital that provides care to children stated that several young patients have gone through emergency surgery. The chief of pediatric trauma care at the hospital Dr. Karen Young said that everything possible is being done to stabilize them. The injuries that we are encountering are critical and some of these children will encounter extended recoveries.
Families in Shock
Waiting to get news was torturous to many families. The shooting was heard and parents hurried to school in order to reunite with their children. The officials have set up a reunification center close by where dozens of families can be seen crying and clinging to each other awaiting news.
One father, who refused to give his name, said in reply that he could not breathe until he saw the face of his daughter. But I feel heart-broken over those who will not be carrying their children home to-night.
Leaders Condemn the Attack
City officials were fast to denounce the assault. Police Chief Brian O’Hara of Minneapolis named it an intentional crime of violence against children and remarked that the brutality of shooting into a church of students made no sense.
Mayor Jacob Frey became furiously emotional at one of the press conferences, saying: These kids were literally praying. It was the beginning of their school year and with hope and faith. They must not feel afraid of their life in a church or classroom.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota directed flags to fly at half-staff all over the state and vowed state assistance of victims and their families. In a short statement, President Donald Trump gave condolences and referred to the incident as an unthinkable tragedy.
Investigation Underway
Investigators are currently seeking to tell what informed the attack. Law enforcers affirmed that the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are supporting local police. The digital history of the shooter, such as social media activity and writings that could suggest planning or intent are being looked at by agents.
There have been some reports that disturbing material could have been left behind by the suspect, however the authorities have not confirmed that they have found a manifesto. Researchers are also trying to find out how he acquired his guns considering the amount of weapons and ammunition used to carry out the attack.
A Community in Mourning
The Annunciation Catholic School community, which is characterized by a close family and a good connection to the parish, is broken. Counselors have been deployed to the students and staff and vigils were underway planning around Minneapolis as citizens sought to find a means to mourn collectively.
We are not alone, we are broken, and the one who was leading the Mass at the moment of the shooting is Father Michael Johnson, the pastor of the school. Our religion will then support us, and we are broken at the moment.
A Growing National Crisis
This tragedy is on top of a year of frightening violence in schoolrooms throughout the United States. The advocacy groups have documented over 140 school shooting incidents thus far in 2025 which is an eye-opening figure that emphasizes the magnitude of the crisis.
Gun safety groups and teachers instantly rejuvenated the use of more stringent actions in safeguarding children. Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts said, we cannot go on sending kids to school every day and wondering whether you will or will you not get home today. This is not the way things ought to be and this cannot be regarded as normal.
Prayers, Vigils, and Healing
To the Minneapolis residents, the attack of Wednesday reminds them of the painful recollections of other mass shootings that have damaged the nation over the past years, including Uvalde, Texas, and Parkland, Florida, and Sandy Hook, Connecticut. But the reality that this shooting was done in a religious context, in a Mass to open the new school year, has served to provide a further shock and horror.
Parent volunteer James O’Neill said it was supposed to be a holy safe place. And now it is eternally steeped in violence.
When the night arrived in Minneapolis hundreds flocked around the Annunciation Church then into an impromptu candlelight vigil. Victim families were united as their friends, neighbors and other strangers came to console them. There were songs, prayers, and tears that were the air as the community attempted to make sense out of the incoherent.
The healing journey will be a marathon but residents express that they will stand united. Linda Peterson, a long time parishioner said, this was the most difficult thing our school and church has ever experienced. Yet hate is weaker than love. We will not let this define us.”
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