Minneapolis, MN, August 27, 2025 – A devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis has left two children dead and 17 others injured, marking a tragic start to the new school year. The incident, which occurred shortly after 8:15 AM during an all-school Mass, has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited national debates over gun violence in schools.
According to authorities, the suspected shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, opened fire in the school’s church, where students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade were gathered. The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the attack as “horrific,” expressing grief for the students and teachers affected. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz posted on X.
The shooting is the fifth reported at K-12 schools in the U.S. since the school year began on August 1, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, an anti-gun violence advocacy group. The organization noted that 2025 has already seen at least 57 school shootings, resulting in 15 deaths and numerous injuries prior to this incident. Gun control advocates, including March for Our Lives and Moms Demand Action, condemned the violence, calling for stricter firearm regulations. “No parent should fear sending their child to school. No child should pray for safety in a church,” March for Our Lives stated.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos as gunfire erupted, with some reporting the use of a smoke bomb as a distraction. “It felt like the gunfire went on for eternity,” one witness told Sky News. Students were evacuated immediately, and law enforcement secured the area, setting up barriers around the school. The U.S. Justice Department confirmed the casualty figures, and Minneapolis officials are expected to provide further updates.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the persistent issue of gun violence in American schools. Everytown for Gun Safety reported that 2025 has seen at least 90 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 29 deaths and 69 injuries nationwide. “All signs point to this tragedy being perpetrated by an assault weapon,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown, urging lawmakers to ban such weapons.
The Annunciation Catholic School shooting follows other high-profile incidents, including the Virginia Tech massacre (2007), Sandy Hook (2012), and Uvalde (2022), underscoring the ongoing challenge of ensuring school safety. Community members have begun organizing vigils, and local leaders are calling for action to address the root causes of such violence.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns yet another loss of young lives, with advocates and policymakers facing renewed pressure to act.
