MINNEAPOLIS – A gunman fired a rifle through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis where students were celebrating their first Mass of the new school year on Wednesday, killing an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old in the pews and injuring 17 others, the police said.
The attacker then shot and killed himself in the rear of the church, the Minneapolis police chief, Brian O’Hara, said at a news conference. Of the 17 people injured, 14 were children, the chief said. Two were in critical condition, he said.
Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith released the following statement following today’s tragic shooting in Minneapolis:
“Indiana stands in prayerful solidarity with Minnesota. My heart is shattered by the horrific and senseless act of violence that struck Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis this morning. To know innocent children were gunned down as they sat in the pews praying is utterly devastating. This is pure evil – evil that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. As both a father and a pastor, I cannot fathom the depth of grief the families and this community are enduring. Hoosiers, keep praying, and pray with intention today for the families, teachers, and friends who will suffer because of this killer’s complete disregard for human life.”
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