Minnesota Officials Respond to Deadly Shooting at Catholic School

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz confirmed Wednesday that authorities are responding to a deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, which left multiple casualties and prompted a large-scale law enforcement response. “I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information,” Walz said on X. “The BCA and State Patrol are on scene. I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.” Minneapolis police later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public, reporting that the shooter had been “contained” and was deceased.

Authorities said the shooting occurred shortly after 8 a.m., as students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade attended morning Mass. Police urged residents to avoid West 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet avenues while emergency personnel assisted victims and secured the scene. Families were directed to a reunification site at the school. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, Minnesota State Patrol, and Minneapolis Police Department, responded. Reports indicate that a man dressed in black and armed with a rifle opened fire, with witnesses hearing up to 50 gunshots. Officials have not released details on the number of victims.

President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the situation, noting on Truth Social that the FBI was “quickly on the scene” and that the White House was “monitoring this terrible situation.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Department of Homeland Security is coordinating with local and federal partners and “praying for the victims of this heinous attack.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also expressed grief, saying the city’s emergency response team has been fully activated. Footage from local media showed parents rushing to escort children away from the school as investigators continued to process the scene.