A tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis has resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. The incident occurred during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School on March 6, 2024, just two days after the school year began. Local authorities report that a gunman, identified as a man in his early 20s, opened fire with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, targeting students and worshipers.
The suspect fired dozens of rounds through church windows before taking his own life. Brian O’Hara, the Minneapolis police chief, condemned the attack as a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children” and expressed his disbelief at the “sheer cruelty” of the act. This devastating event has shaken the community and raised urgent questions about safety in schools.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as parents rushed to the school, ducking under yellow police tape to locate their children. Local hospitals reported that 15 children and two adults were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, with many in critical condition.
In a press conference, Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, expressed his outrage, stating, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.” His comments reflect the heightened emotions surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
According to law enforcement, the shooter did not have an extensive criminal history, and officials are currently investigating potential motives. They are also looking into multiple online videos that may have been posted by the shooter, as reported by anonymous sources familiar with the investigation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is in contact with local authorities and is monitoring the situation closely, as stated by Secretary Kristi Noem. In light of the tragedy, President Donald Trump issued a statement on social media, urging prayers for the victims and their families. “Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he said.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend in Minneapolis, where three other shootings occurred in the days leading up to the school attack, leaving a total of three people dead and seven wounded. Chief O’Hara confirmed that the school shooting did not appear to be linked to these prior events.
Minnesota has a relatively low gun death rate compared to the national average, and state law mandates background checks for all gun sales. Despite this, organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety continue to advocate for stricter gun control measures in light of such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the implications of this violent act. The events of March 6 will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the families affected and the broader Minneapolis community.
