Children caught in horror, five shooting victims of Catholic school hospitalized

A Catholic school in south Minneapolis was struck by tragedy on Wednesday morning when an active shooter opened fire during student drop-off, leaving multiple victims injured and a community in mourning. Authorities later confirmed that the gunman is dead.

The shooting unfolded at Annunciation Catholic School, where children had only just returned for their first week back after summer break.

Witnesses reported a heavy presence of ambulances rushing to the scene. Local outlets confirmed that five children are receiving treatment at Children’s Minnesota Hospital, which declined to release further details to protect the privacy of the young victims and their families.

The first emergency call came in at 8:27 a.m., just minutes after the day was meant to begin with a morning mass.

Police confirmed that a man dressed in black and armed with a rifle was reported on the school grounds.

The Richfield Police Department, from the neighboring suburb, said there may be as many as 20 victims, though the number of fatalities has not yet been confirmed.

By mid-morning, the city of Minneapolis assured residents that there was “no active threat to the community”, though streets near the school remained closed as first responders worked to help victims and secure the area.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that state police and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension were on the scene. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” he said.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also rushed to the site, calling the incident “horrific violence” and confirming that the city’s emergency response team had been activated.

National leaders expressed sorrow and pledged support. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said her department was monitoring the situation closely, adding, “I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.”

President Donald Trump also posted online, urging the nation to join him in prayer for those affected.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that its officers were assisting the Minneapolis Police Department. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this act of violence,” the statement read.

For students of Annunciation Catholic School, where children range from preschool through eighth grade, the new school year had only begun Monday.

Photos shared earlier this week showed smiling children reuniting after summer break. Now, those same classrooms and hallways have become the site of devastation.

The shooting is the fourth in Minneapolis within 24 hours, compounding fears in a city already grappling with escalating gun violence.

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