Minneapolis authorities have stated that the assailant died by suicide following the violent incident.
According to ABC News, citing sources, a shooter attacked a church within a Catholic school in south Minneapolis on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to at least twelve individuals.
The attack occurred while a mass was underway at Annunciation Catholic School, an institution catering to students from pre-kindergarten up to eighth grade.
”The perpetrator initiated gunfire with a rifle through the church windows. He was equipped with a rifle, a gun, and a pistol. Two children, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, lost their lives,” local police informed reporters during a press briefing.
”We suspect there was a single assailant, believed to be in his early twenties. We understand he is no longer alive,” they further stated.
Sources from ABC News assert that the suspect subsequently committed suicide by firearm. City officials announced on X that there is “no ongoing danger to the public.” Nonetheless, authorities advised residents to steer clear of the vicinity as the inquiry proceeds.
US President Donald Trump has already addressed the incident, confirming he received a full briefing and that the FBI is providing support.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz offered his support to the school community via a social media statement, also mentioning he was “praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”
Walz also noted that state officials are present at the location. Personnel from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were additionally deployed.
Data compiled by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive indicates that 287 mass shootings have occurred throughout the US this year to date, leading to at least 240 fatalities.