Mass shooting during school mass at Minnesota Catholic School

The very latest on this developing situation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning injured up to 20 people, authorities said, as the situation remains fluid with limited details available.

The gunman, described as a man dressed in all black and armed with a rifle, was reported dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to three law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation.

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Minneapolis police confirmed the shooter was “contained” by 10:29 a.m. EST, with no active threat to the community, but the scene remains an active crime scene.Gov. Tim Walz called the gunfire “horrific” in a post on X, saying he was briefed on the situation at the pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school, where the academic year began Monday. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz wrote.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, State Patrol, FBI, and ATF agents responded to the scene at Annunciation Church, located at 509 W. 54th St., which houses the school.The shooting occurred during a morning drop-off, coinciding with a scheduled all-school Mass at 8:15 a.m., according to the school’s website. Students were evacuated, with images showing young children in green uniforms leaving the area, some accompanied by parents.

A witness, Bill Bienemann, who lives two blocks from the school, told Sky News he heard 30 to 50 shots over several minutes, describing the gunfire as sounding like it “went on for eternity.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he was monitoring reports of “horrific violence” and confirmed the city’s emergency response team was activated. “We will share more information as soon as we can,” Frey posted on X.

The FBI and ATF confirmed their agents were on the scene, with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stating they were en route to assist.The incident follows a violent 24 hours in Minneapolis, with three other shootings reported since Tuesday afternoon, including one that left one dead and six injured.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the recent wave of gun violence “deeply unsettling.” Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area around West 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet avenues to allow emergency personnel to assist victims. A reunification zone for families was established at the school.

President Donald Trump said he was “fully briefed on the tragic shooting” and that the White House was monitoring the situation, urging prayers for those involved. Minneapolis City Council Member Katie Cashman, representing the area, said in an email to constituents that “multiple children and staff” were among the victims, though specific details remain unconfirmed as the investigation continues.A news conference with city officials and law enforcement is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT to provide further updates.