Minneapolis School Shooting Leaves 2 Children Dead, 17 Injured

Tone & Political Bias: Weakly Left-Leaning

Why: Coverage emphasizes the tragedy, quotes Democratic officials (mayor, governor, Obama), and highlights the broader issue of gun violence, but overall keeps reporting fact-focused.

What Happened

An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were killed, and 17 others were injured when a gunman opened fire through the windows of the Annunciation Catholic School church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. Police said 14 of the wounded are children, with two in critical condition.

The shooting unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. during a Mass marking the first week of school. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called it a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping.” The gunman, described as being in his early 20s, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

How the Shooting Unfolded

The attacker approached the side of the church and fired a rifle through stained glass windows toward students and worshippers.
Dozens of rounds were fired, and investigators believe he used a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol.
A possible smoke bomb was also discovered at the scene.

Students described taking cover under pews as gunfire erupted. Weston, a 10-year-old fifth-grader, said he was sitting two feet from the window the gunman shot through. His friend was wounded and taken to the hospital.

Children and Families

Students in pre-K through eighth grade attend the school. Many were seen leaving hand-in-hand with parents after the attack.

A young girl told KTSP she initially thought the noise was fireworks before realizing it was gunfire.
Another student said she and her friend prayed in a preschool classroom where teachers led them to shelter.
Families gathered in the school gym to wait for news as the scene unfolded.

Parents described shock and relief upon being reunited with their children. One boy, Weston, said he feared he might not see his mother again.

Response from Officials

Mayor Jacob Frey, visibly emotional, said:

“These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear of violence.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media:

“Minnesota is heartbroken… From the officers responding, to the clergy and teachers providing comfort, to the hospital staff saving lives, we will get through this together.”

President Donald Trump said he was “fully briefed” and ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff until Sunday. Former President Barack Obama also reacted, writing:

“We can’t allow ourselves to become numb to mass shootings. What happened today in Minneapolis is heartbreaking.”

Investigating a Motive

Police are examining writings and online accounts linked to the shooter.

A video posted on YouTube earlier that day showed pages of notes and drawings, including weapons and an image of a church interior.
One notebook had a “defend equality” sticker with a gun silhouette.
Another sticker referenced a German band once associated with the Columbine shooters, though the band has denounced violence.

Investigators are reviewing these materials to determine motive.

What We Know So Far

Fatalities: Two children, ages 8 and 10.
Injured: 17 people, including 14 children. Two remain critical.
Shooter: Male in his early 20s. Died from a self-inflicted wound.
Weapons: Rifle, shotgun, pistol; possible smoke bomb recovered.
Setting: Church service during the first week of school.
Ongoing: Police reviewing shooter’s notes, videos, and social media for motive.