2 children killed in shooting at Minneapolis Catholic church, police say

CNA Staff, Aug 27, 2025 / 10:41 am

Law enforcement on Wednesday said two children had been killed at a shooting incident during a Mass held at a Minneapolis Catholic church, with the gunman reportedly taking his own life after the deadly attack.

During a press conference around noon local time, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the incident at Annunciation Catholic Church as an “unthinkable tragedy.”

The shooting took place during the opening Mass of the parish’s parochial school, O’Hara said.

“During the Mass, a gunman approached the building on the outside and began firing a rifle, [and] shooting through the windows,” the chief said. “He struck children and worshippers that were inside the building.”

The shooter was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, O’Hara said. He reportedly fired all three of the weapons during the incident.

The suspected gunman took his own life after the shooting, the police chief said.

“This deliberate act of violence is a sign of cruelty that is beyond comprehension,” O’Hara said. “Our hearts are broken for everyone that has been affected by this tragedy.”

Also at the press conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said there were “no words that can capture the horror and the evilness of this unspeakable act.”

“You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or absolute pain of this situation,” Frey said, pointing out that the victims of the shooting were “literally praying” when they were attacked.

National, Church leaders offer prayers, support

O’Hara at the press conference said the suspect was a lone shooter in his 20s.

“He does not have a known criminal history,” the chief said. “We are looking through information left behind to try and determine some type of motive.”

Multiple victims, including nine children, had reportedly been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, with several of the children in critical condition, according to media reports.

The shooting generated headlines around the world and led to an outpouring of support from civic and religious leaders around the country.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning said the White House was monitoring the situation. “Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he wrote.

Vice President JD Vance similarly offered prayers after the shooting, as did Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

“I am heartbroken by the horrific violence [at the school],” Klobuchar wrote on X. “My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families, and I am grateful for the first responders who are on the scene.”

Church leaders also responded with support and prayers. “Please join me in praying for all those who were injured or lost their lives — along with their families,” Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, Bishop Robert Barron wrote on X. “Let us also pray for the students, faculty, and entire parish community.”

Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila also called for prayers for the victims. “We entrust the school and parish community to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood faithfully by the cross of her Son and knows the anguish of grieving hearts,” he said in a statement.

The New York State Catholic Conference, meanwhile, wrote that the state’s bishops were “devastated” by the shooting.

“We join the bishops of [Minnesota] and all Americans in praying for all who are impacted and for an end to gun violence,” the conference wrote.

The tragedy comes just one day after another mass shooting at Minneapolis’ Cristo Rey Jesuit High School located just a few miles from the Annunciation parish. Authorities on Wednesday did not indicate that the two shootings were related.

Mass shooting events at Catholic churches in the U.S. are exceedingly rare.

Notably, on June 10, 2002, a 71-year-old gunman entered Conception Abbey in rural Conception, Missouri, and opened fire, killing three monks before taking his own life. The motive for that shooting remains unclear.

This story was updated Aug. 27, 2025, at 1:11 p.m. ET with new information from the police chief and mayor.