A horrific act of violence unfolded at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, United States, on Wednesday, August 27, leaving two children dead and 17 others injured, 14 of whom were children. The tragic incident occurred around 8:45 a.m., approximately 30 minutes after the school's start-of-year mass had concluded at 8:15 a.m., marking a devastating start to the first week of classes.

Reports indicate that a gunman, clad in all black and armed with a rifle, stormed the premises, unleashing a wave of violence. A heartbroken parent who attended the mass recounted the terrifying scene to The Star Tribune, stating the attacker fired "50 to 100 shots" through the stained glass windows of Annunciation Catholic Church, where students and staff were still present. Authorities confirmed the fatalities of two children, aged 8 and 10, and reported that 17 individuals sustained injuries. Among the injured, seven children were in critical condition, according to a BBC report citing a doctor, though police had initially stated two were critical.

The assailant, believed to be in his early twenties, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement sources told FOX 9 that the gunman had been contained, and the Minneapolis city government assured the public there was no longer any "active threat." Police later stated the attacker acted alone and had no extensive criminal history. Investigators believe he used three weapons during the rampage – a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol – and a smoke bomb was discovered in what is presumed to be his car. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.

The incident triggered a massive law enforcement response, with multiple agencies, including the FBI, state patrol, and Minneapolis police, rapidly converging on the scene at 54th Street between Harriet and Garfield avenues. Ambulances transported the injured to Hennepin Healthcare, which operates Minnesota’s largest emergency department, to receive urgent medical attention. Residents were advised to steer clear of West 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet avenues, while families of the students gathered at a designated reunification area at Annunciation School, 525 West 54th Street.

The violence drew immediate condemnation and sorrow from public officials. Governor Tim Walz expressed his grief, stating on X, “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.” President Donald Trump also addressed the "tragic shooting" in a Truth Social post, confirming he had been briefed and that the White House would continue to monitor the situation, urging prayers for all involved. This tragedy is part of a series of fatal shootings in Minneapolis, following incidents the previous day where one person was killed and six injured outside a high school, and two more died in separate shootings within hours.