At least two children were killed and 17 others injured after a gunman opened fire at a school in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The gunman also died from self-inflicted injuries, police said.
The attack took place at Annunciation Church, which also houses a grammar school. Among the 17 injured were 14 children, 7 of whom are in critical condition, according to a hospital official.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the gunman, who was in his early 20s, was carrying a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. He added that the suspect did not have a significant criminal history.
Also Read | ‘Heard about 50 shots in four minutes’: Area resident on Minneapolis school shooting horror
Addressing a press briefing, the police chief said that the shooter approached the school on the outside of the building during Mass and began “firing a rifle through church windows,”
"The shots were fired towards the children sitting in the pews at the Mass, shooting through the windows. He struck children and worshipers who were inside the building,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}"The shots were fired towards the children sitting in the pews at the Mass, shooting through the windows. He struck children and worshipers who were inside the building,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}News agency AP quoted Bill Bienemann, who lives a couple of blocks away and has long attended Mass at Annunciation Church, as saying that he heard “dozens of shots”.
“I was shocked. I said, ‘There’s no way that could be gunfire,’” he said. “There was so much of it. It was sporadic.”
Also Read | 'They were literally praying': Mayor after kids killed in Minneapolis school shooting
US President Donald Trump said that he had been fully briefed about the shooting in Minnesota. “The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The shooting is the latest act of gun violence in Minneapolis. According to the Associated Press, one person was killed and six others were hurt in a shooting on Tuesday afternoon outside a high school in Minneapolis. Hours later, two people died in two other shootings in the city.
Minneapolis school shooting: FBI director reacts
FBI director Kash Patel said that the agency's agents were present at the site of the incident.
“We are aware of reports of a shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota. FBI agents are on scene, and we ask everyone to keep potential victims, civilians or law enforcement in harm’s way in your prayers,” Patel wrote on X.
“The FBI will provide updates as more information becomes available,” he added.
Praying for our kids and teachers: Governor Walz
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he has also been briefed about the shooting and that State Patrol are also present at the scene.
“I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information. The BCA and State Patrol are on scene,” he wrote on X.
“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” he added.