Gunfire erupted Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during church mass.
Police reported the shooter fired a rifle through church windows while carrying a shotgun and pistol.
The attacker killed two students, aged eight and ten, and wounded 17 others before killing himself.
Authorities confirmed the shooter had been contained, and no further threat remained to the community.
Officials Condemn Attack
Police chief Brian O’Hara called the shooting “sheer cruelty and cowardice” at a press briefing.
Governor Tim Walz described the attack as “horrific” and prayed for children and teachers.
Children’s Minnesota admitted five young victims, while Hennepin Healthcare treated additional patients from the incident.
President Donald Trump said he received briefings on the “tragic shooting” and that federal authorities continue monitoring.
Families Evacuated, School Responds
Authorities evacuated the school and directed families to a nearby reunification zone.
Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, held a morning mass on the first day of term.
Recent posts showed children smiling at back-to-school events, sharing art, and enjoying ice pops.
Families faced shock and grief after a joyful start to school ended in violence.
Rising Gun Violence in Minneapolis
The school shooting followed three other deadly incidents in the city in less than 24 hours.
On Tuesday, a high school shooting killed one person and wounded six others.
Hours later, two more people died in separate shootings across Minneapolis.
Hoax shooting calls struck at least a dozen U.S. college campuses, some with gunshot sounds.
Universities issued “run, hide, fight” alerts, terrifying students nationwide as the school year began.
