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Key Points

A gunman opened fire during morning Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school, killing two young students. The attacker was armed with multiple weapons and shot through church windows before turning the gun on himself. Fourteen children were among the seventeen injured victims, with several in critical condition requiring surgery. Police described the attack as a deliberate act of violence against children and worshippers during the first week of school.

Key Points: Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Kills Two Children at Mass

  • Gunman armed with rifle, shotgun and pistol shot through church windows
  • 14 of the 17 injured victims were children aged 6 to 14
  • Attack occurred during first week of school at morning Mass service
  • Minneapolis police describe it as deliberate act against children and worshippers
3 min read

Two minor students shot dead at Catholic school in US' Minneapolis

Gunman opens fire during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, killing two students aged 8 and 10 and injuring 17 others before taking his own life.

"Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children - Police Chief Brian O'Hara"

Washington, Aug 27

At least two minor students were killed and 17 others injured as a gunman opened fire at morning Mass in a Catholic school in Minneapolis city of the US state of Minnesota, on Monday, reports said.

The gunman was said to have shot himself dead subsequently, the BBC reported, citing the Minneapolis police.

The attack happened at Annunciation Catholic School, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said, calling it a "deliberate act of violence against children and worshippers".

The deceased children were aged eight and 10.

According to the police, the gunman, who is yet to be identified, was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol and shot through the church windows, and then turned a gun on himself.

The number of injured was pegged at 17, of which 14 were children.

The BBC quoted Thomas Wyatt, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare, as saying seven critical patients were brought in and four needed surgery. The patients were aged between six and 14 years old, he added.

Earlier, police said two children were in critical condition.

Wyatt said that he could not give any individual patient information, "but at the moment they're all alive".

Non-critical patients were taken to other hospitals, he said, adding that he has no information on those victims.

Police chief O'Hara said the gunman "ultimately took his own life".

"Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children", for the young lives "fighting to recover", and for "the entire community that has been so deeply traumatised by this senseless attack", he told the media.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that "there are no words that can capture the horror", noting "it was the first week of school, they were in a church".

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said that he was briefed on the shooting.

"The BCA and State Patrol are on scene. I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence," he said in a post on X.

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to say he's been "fully briefed" on the Minneapolis shooting incident.

"The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene," he wrote.

"The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation."

"Please join me in praying for everyone involved," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
When will America finally address its gun problem? These school shootings keep happening and nothing changes. In India we have our issues but at least our children can go to school without fearing for their lives.
S
Sarah B
As someone who studied in a Catholic school in India, this hits close to home. Schools and churches should be sanctuaries, not places of violence. My heart breaks for those little angels and their families.
A
Arjun K
Rifle, shotgun AND pistol? How does one person get access to so many weapons? The US needs serious gun control reforms. Meanwhile in India, we have strict firearm regulations that prevent such tragedies.
M
Meera T
First week of school... these children were probably excited about new classes and friends. So tragic. 🙏 May their souls rest in peace. Hope the injured children recover completely.
D
David E
While I agree this is terrible, let's not pretend India doesn't have its own security issues. We should focus on supporting the victims rather than comparing which country is safer.
K
Kavya N
Eight and ten years old... they had their whole lives ahead of them. As a mother, this news made me cry. No parent should ever have to bury their child. My deepest condolences to the families.

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