Two children, aged eight and 10, have been killed and 17 other people have been injured during a school shooting in the US city of Minneapolis, according to police.
The attack happened during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic school, with local police chief Brian O’Hara saying in a statement that it was a “deliberate act of violence.” The children had only returned to school on Monday after the summer break.
“He struck children and worshippers inside the building,” Mr O’Hara said. “The shooter was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol.”
It is understood that the children were attending the school’s start-of-the-year Mass when they were hit by bullets while they sat praying on church pews.
It is understood that the gunman, thought to be in his early twenties, was armed with a shotgun, rifle and pistol and shot through the church windows before turning the gun on himself in the church’s car park.
Mr O’Hara said that the suspect was dressed in black and camouflage, and that there is currently no clear motive for the attack. The Minneapolis Police Chief told a press conference that the killer “is in his early 20s” and “does not have an extensive known criminal history”.
It is understood that 14 of those among the injured are children, with two currently in a critical condition. Neighbours told officials that the door to the Catholic church had been barricaded, whilst first responders rushed those injured to nearby hospitals.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social this afternoon: “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking after the attack, told a press conference: “You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or absolute pain of this moment.”
“This kind of evil act should never happen,” the Democrat politician added. “Don’t just say this is about ‘thoughts and prayers’ right now. These kids were literally praying.”
“These were Minneapolis families. These were American families, and the amount of pain they are suffering right now is extraordinary,” Frey said.
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