Minneapolis Shooting: Detailed Report on the Annunciation Catholic School Tragedy
Overview of the Incident
On August 27, 2025, a violent shooting unfolded during a morning worship service at Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis, Minnesota, tragically resulting in the deaths of two children, ages 8 and 10, and leaving 17 others injured, with 14 of them children, two of whom remain in critical condition. Authorities confirmed the shooter, a man in his early 20s with no known criminal history, used multiple weapons—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—to fire through the church’s windows, then took his own life.
What Happened
✅ The attack occurred around 8:30 a.m., during a Mass marking the first week of school, when students from pre-K through 8th grade were gathered inside.
✅ The gunman barricaded the doors, trapping students, staff, and parents inside before opening fire through stained-glass windows.
✅ Emergency response was swift: Minneapolis authorities quickly declared that the shooter was contained, and that there was no ongoing threat.
✅ Multiple hospitals, including Children’s Minnesota and Hennepin County Medical Center, received and treated victims—some in critical condition.
Victims and Impact
✅ Deaths & Injuries: Two children were killed; 17 others were injured, including 14 children. Two of them remain in critical condition.
✅ Witness Accounts: A passenger described a child running for their life, covered in blood, recounting the scene outside the school.
✅ The massacre is the fourth shooting in Minneapolis within 24 hours, with broader implications pointing to a deeper crisis of gun violence in U.S. schools—2025 has now seen over 140 school shootings.
Reactions from Leaders
✅ Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the act as “deliberate and cruel,” noting the evil nature of targeting children at worship.
✅ Mayor Jacob Frey expressed grief and outrage, saying:
“Children are dead… Think of this as if it’s your own… Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now.”
✅ Governor Tim Walz affirmed he had been briefed and announced ongoing updates:
“Minnesota is heartbroken... Hug your kids close.”
✅ Federal Response: Former President Donald Trump confirmed he’d been briefed and said the White House was monitoring the situation.
Context and Background
✅ Annunciation Catholic School has a long history—founded in 1923 and serving approximately 340 students from pre-K to 8th grade.
✅ It’s recognized as an IB World School since 2018 and maintains ties with a sister school in Haiti.
✅ The church school had recently celebrated the start of the new academic year, with images shared online showing children returning after summer.
✅ The shooting is part of a broader wave of violence, including a separate fatal attack near another Catholic school—Cristo Rey Jesuit High School—just the day before.
Broader Implications
✅ This tragedy underscores the ongoing crisis of gun violence in U.S. schools.
✅ The location and timing of the incident—children praying during a Mass—add a devastating emotional weight.
✅ Local communities are now mourning, seeking answers, and demanding meaningful action beyond “thoughts and prayers.”
FAQs
Q: When and where did the shooting happen?
A: On August 27, 2025, during a Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis.
Q: How many casualties were there?
A: Two children were killed, and 17 other, including 14 children,were injured, two critically.
Q: Who was responsible?
A: A man in his early 20s with no known criminal record, who used multiple firearms and later died by suicide.
Q: What has been the response from officials?
A: Leaders, including Police Chief O'Hara, Mayor Frey, and Governor Walz, denounced the attack and assured continued investigation and support.
Q: Has this happened before at the same school?
A: No, but another shooting occurred at a nearby high school just the day before.
Q: What does this say about school safety?
A: It raises alarming questions about school and religious venue security, gun control, and the urgent need for policy responses.
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