A gunman stormed into a Minneapolis Catholic church and school during morning mass, unleashing carnage that left at least twenty victims shot, two dead, and four fighting for their lives.
Authorities are calling the incident one of the most devastating attacks on a house of worship in recent memory.
Story Snapshot
- An armed suspect opened fire at Annunciation Church and Catholic School during the start-of-year mass, striking approximately 20 victims.
- Two confirmed fatalities and four victims in critical condition as emergency responders declared a mass casualty event.
- The attack occurred just 24 hours after another mass shooting in Minneapolis, raising alarm about escalating violence.
- Police are investigating possible explosives found within church premises while securing the scene.
- Suspect confirmed dead as law enforcement continues investigation into motives targeting religious community.
Terror Strikes During Morning Service
At 8:27 a.m., an armed individual dressed in black entered Annunciation Church and Catholic School on West 54th Street during the parish’s start-of-year mass.
Witnesses reported sustained gunfire as families with children gathered for the religious service. The attack unfolded rapidly, with multiple 911 calls flooding emergency dispatch as congregants scrambled for safety. Police and emergency medical teams arrived within minutes, immediately declaring a mass casualty event.
Devastating Casualties Mount
Initial reports confirm the gunman struck approximately twenty victims, leaving two dead and four in critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Emergency responders worked frantically to triage wounded victims while parents and children were escorted to safety zones away from the active scene.
The large number of casualties overwhelmed local emergency services, prompting activation of the city’s full crisis response protocol. Hospital personnel prepared for mass casualty intake as ambulances transported the most severely injured victims.
Second Mass Shooting Rocks Minneapolis
This horrific attack occurred less than 24 hours after another mass shooting near 29th Street East and Clinton Avenue that left one person dead and six injured using a .223 rifle.
The back-to-back incidents have shocked Minneapolis residents and raised urgent questions about public safety failures under current city leadership.
Law enforcement officials acknowledged the unprecedented nature of consecutive mass casualty events, straining resources and heightening community fears.
Mayor Jacob Frey activated the emergency response team while police scrambled to determine any connections between the shootings.
Explosive Threat Compounds Crisis
Police discovered potential explosive devices within the church premises, forcing specialized bomb disposal units to sweep the entire facility before declaring it secure.
The explosive threat extended the law enforcement response and delayed victim recovery efforts as authorities prioritized scene safety. Investigators worked methodically to clear all areas of the church and school complex while maintaining a secure perimeter.
The suspect, confirmed dead at the scene, remains unidentified as police analyze evidence and interview witnesses to establish the attack timeline and motive.
“active shooter stormed a Catholic church in Minneapolis as the parish school was holding its start-of-year mass.”
Active shooter 'guns down TWENTY people at Minneapolis church' | Daily Mail Online https://t.co/wp1REWHtXb— Brian Manix (@Bmanix69) August 27, 2025
This attack represents a devastating assault on religious freedom and community safety, striking at the heart of American values during a sacred gathering.
The targeting of families and children during worship services demonstrates the depths of evil that law-abiding citizens face when criminals exploit our open society’s vulnerabilities.
Sources:
Multiple casualties reported at Minneapolis church – KNSI Radio
Minneapolis shooting at Annunciation Church – Star Tribune
LIVE UPDATES: Shooting at Annunciation School – FOX 9
