Suspect, Armed with Multiple Weapons, Fired into Church During School Mass; Mayor and Police Chief Express Grief
A devastating shooting at Annunciation Church left two children dead and 17 others injured after a gunman opened fire on a morning mass that was also marking the first week of school for the Annunciation Catholic School. The suspect, a man in his early 20s with a little criminal history, is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara held a press conference to provide details and express their grief. Mayor Frey described the attack as an “unspeakable act” and said, “Children are dead. You cannot put into words the gravity, the tragedy, or the absolute pain of this situation.” He urged the community to support the grieving families, stating, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.”
READ: Police Arrest Suspect In Violent Domestic And Sexual Battery Case In Pinellas Park
Police Chief O’Hara provided a timeline of events, noting the first call came in just before 8:30 a.m. He stated that the shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired through the church windows at children and worshipers sitting in the pews. O’Hara called the act “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children.”
Two young children, ages 8 and 10, were killed where they sat. Their parents have been notified. Of the 17 people injured, 14 are children, and two of them are in critical condition.
O’Hara said a vehicle believed to belong to the suspect is being searched. Barricades, described as two-by-fours, were found on at least two doors on the side of the church where the shooting occurred. No explosives were found at the scene, though a small smoke device was discovered.
The chief added that the investigation is in its preliminary stages and no motive has yet been determined. He stated that the shooting does not appear to be related to any other recent incidents in the city. Sources
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
