SHOOTING AT MINNEAPOLISCATHOLIC SCHOOL at Annunciation Church: ACTIVE SHOOTER 17 KIDS SHOT

A Morning Shattered: The Annunciation Catholic School Mass Shooting

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in a moment meant for sacred reflection, tragedy struck. Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis—a historic institution founded in 1923 serving grades pre-kindergarten through eighth—was the scene of a devastating mass shooting just after 8:15 a.m. CDT, during a morning Mass attended by young children, parents, and school staff.

Chaos and Horror in the Church

The shooter, a man dressed in black and armed with multiple weapons, including a semi-automatic rifle, shotgun, and pistol, began firing—reportedly unleashing between 50 and 100 rounds through stained-glass windows into the church auditorium. Witnesses described hearing a rapid, prolonged volley of gunfire lasting nearly a minute.

Amid the chaos, two children—identified as an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old—were tragically killed

Widespread Injuries and Immediate Response

At least 17 additional people were injured, including 14 children, two of whom remained in critical condition. Victims were quickly transported to local hospitals such as Children’s Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare, which announced that they were actively treating patients from the incident.

Some reports, including those from Reuters and Fox 9, mentioned up to 20 victims in total, including unspecified numbers of children and adults.

Neutralizing the Threat

Law enforcement swarmed the scene. At least 65 emergency units—including the Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security—responded promptly. A reunification zone was established to help families locate their children amid the confusion.

The shooter ended his life at the scene, effectively eliminating the active threat. Authorities confirmed there was no longer a danger to the public.

A Devastated Community Reacts

Local residents, parents, and faith communities were catapulted into grief. Bill Bienemann, a longtime parishioner, richly described it:

“I was shocked. I said, ‘There’s no way that could be gunfire.’… There was so much of it. It was sporadic.”

The mass scene outside was heartbreaking, with uniformed children reuniting with parents amid tears and chaos.

Leadership Speaks Out

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz tweeted:

“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called it “horrific violence” and activated the city’s emergency response.

On the federal level, President Donald Trump acknowledged being fully briefed and asked for prayers, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that federal agencies were monitoring the unfolding situation.

A Troubling Pattern of Violence

This incident marked the second Catholic school-related shooting in Minneapolis within 48 hours—the day before, another shooting near Cristo Rey Jesuit High School injured several people

Looking Ahead: Investigation and Healing

Hours after the shooting, law enforcement began unraveling the shooter’s background. While no known criminal history has been confirmed, investigators seek a motive.

Crisis response teams, counseling services, and trauma support are being mobilized for students, families, and church members. The community stands at a crossroads of grief and resilience.

Timeline of the Incident (August 27, 2025)

A Community United in Pain and Purpose

The Annunciation Catholic School tragedy has left indelible scars. Two innocent children lost, many wounded, and a faithful community grappling with trauma. Yet, within that sorrow lies solidarity—a faith community, city, and state resolved to grieve together and work for lasting recovery and safety.