Two children dead; 17 other people injured in shooting at Minneapolis Church of the Annunciation Catholic.
August 27, 2025
Two children are dead and 17 other people are injured after a suspected shooter fired through the windows of the Church of the Annunciation (509 W. 54th St.) in Minneapolis during a morning mass service to mark the beginning of the school year.
Police say an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old died, and initial reports indicate 17 other people are injured. Fourteen of the 17 are children. Two of the 17 people injured are in critical condition.
Families of the students are asked to go to the Annunciation School for reunification and additional resources (525 W. 54th St.).
“There are no words that can capture the horror and tragedy of the unspeakable act of evil at Annunciation Catholic Church. Children have been killed, more are injured, and our community is shaken. Right now, our entire city needs to wrap these families in love and support. The City is setting up a family assistance center to provide them with resources and care,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “We are a Minneapolis family. Don’t think about these children just as someone else’s kids. Think of them as your own. This was their first week of school. They should be laughing and goofing off in the hallways right now. They should be learning and playing with their friends on the playground.”
Investigation and Details
Just before 8:30 a.m., Minneapolis police responded to a call about an active shooting at the Church. The shooter, whose identity has not been released, approached the side of the building and started shooting through the windows of the church. Police say the shooter died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is currently no safety threat to the public at this time, and a motive for the incident is unknown.
Police were on scene immediately to render emergency first aid to the victims and rescue other children and adults who were hiding in parts of the building. A vehicle believed to belong to the shooter will be searched, along with other areas known to police.
“Our entire community has been traumatized by this attack,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. “Our hearts are broken by the sheer cruelty of this tragedy and deliberate act against kids. MPD and the broader law enforcement community share in this immense grief with our community, the Annunciation parish and the families of the victims.”
Multiple Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) agents and crime scene teams are assisting with the investigation.
Statement from Minneapolis City Council Members Emily Koski and Linea Palmisano who’s wards border the shooting scene:
“This is a heartbreaking day for our city. Today, we must come together in compassion and support for those directly impacted. Our hearts are with the students, families, educators, and clergy of Annunciation. Please hold our community in your thoughts as we navigate this tragedy together.
“We want to thank the first responders whose quick and courageous actions contained the threat and prevented this tragedy from becoming even worse.”