Gunman TARGETS Children During Church Mass

A gunman armed with a rifle opened fire during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, leaving approximately 20 victims and forcing children to witness unspeakable violence in what should have been a sacred, safe space.

Story Snapshot

• Gunman attacked students during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, targeting children in a house of worship
• Approximately 20 victims reported with suspect neutralized by 9:31 a.m. after swift law enforcement response
• FBI and ATF immediately deployed alongside local police, indicating potential federal crime implications
• President Trump issued statement expressing condolences while investigation continues into shooter’s motive

Attack Targets Vulnerable Students During Religious Service

A gunman dressed in black and armed with a rifle deliberately targeted Annunciation Catholic Church and School in South Minneapolis during a Wednesday morning Mass attended by K-8 students. The attack began around 8:15 a.m. when children were participating in what should have been a peaceful religious service. This calculated assault on innocent students in a sacred setting represents the kind of evil that strikes at the heart of our communities and values.

The timing and location of this attack underscore the vulnerability of our children and the brazen nature of criminals who target the most defenseless among us. Schools and churches have historically been considered sanctuaries, yet they continue to face threats from individuals who show complete disregard for human life and religious freedom.

Swift Law Enforcement Response Neutralizes Threat

Minneapolis Police Department, paramedics, FBI, and ATF agents responded rapidly to emergency calls at 8:30 a.m., with the suspect confirmed dead by 9:31 a.m. The immediate deployment of federal agencies suggests investigators are examining potential terrorism or hate crime motives. This coordinated response demonstrates the serious nature of attacks targeting religious institutions and educational facilities.

Police Chief O’Hara and Mayor Jacob Frey worked with federal authorities to secure the scene and ensure no ongoing threat to the community. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies reflects the complexity of investigating mass casualty events, particularly those targeting children and religious communities. Such incidents require extensive resources to determine motives and prevent copycat attacks.

Pattern of Attacks on Faith Communities Continues

This Minneapolis shooting follows a disturbing pattern of violence targeting places of worship, including the 2015 Charleston church shooting that killed nine people and the 2017 Sutherland Springs attack that claimed 26 lives. These incidents highlight how criminals increasingly target religious communities, undermining the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom and safe worship.

Gunman opens fire at Catholic church; police say there are about 20 victims https://t.co/E8KrJxfNYM

— Pastor Bedoya (@bedoyapastor1) August 27, 2025

President Trump issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming federal involvement in the investigation. The attack raises serious questions about protecting religious institutions and schools from those who would use violence to terrorize communities of faith. Such attacks not only harm immediate victims but create lasting trauma that affects entire communities and their ability to practice their constitutional rights freely.

Sources:

Buffalo Shooting Online Platforms Report – New York Attorney General
Buffalo Shooting Coverage – CBS News
Bishops Express Sorrow, Condemn Racially Motivated Shooting in Buffalo – National Catholic Reporter
Presiding Bishop to Visit Communities Marking One Year Since Mass Shootings – Episcopal News Service