Two children, ages 8 and 10, were shot and killed as they sat in packed pews during a morning Mass at their Catholic school in Minneapolis on Wednesday, police said.

The gunman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, opened fire through the church windows at Annunciation Catholic School, striking children and worshippers inside before taking his own life behind the church, according to authorities.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the act an “incomprehensible” display of cruelty. “During the mass, a gunman approached on the outside on the side of the building and began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews,” O’Hara said. “Shooting through the windows, he struck children and worshipers that were inside the building. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”

In all, 17 people were wounded, 14 of them children. Two of those remain in critical condition. Families of the two children who were killed have been notified.

Mayor Jacob Frey spoke through tears at a press briefing, urging the city to stand with the grieving families. “There are no words that can capture the horror and the evil of this unspeakable act,” he said. “We are a Minneapolis family. But to everybody out there, do not think of these as just somebody else’s kids. Those families are suffering immense pain right now. Think of this as if it were your own. Every one of us needs to be wrapping our arms around these families, giving them every ounce that we can muster.”

Parents rushed to the scene after hearing the news, many of them embracing their children as they were evacuated. A reunification zone was set up nearby where families were brought back together. One neighbor told Fox 9 the sound of gunfire was so constant, they initially thought it was construction noise.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called it a horrific day for the state. “I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

President Donald Trump also responded, saying he had been “fully briefed” and that federal authorities, including the FBI, were on the scene. “The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the tragedy as a “heinous attack” and confirmed that DHS is monitoring the situation. The ATF’s St. Paul office confirmed agents were assisting Minneapolis police.

Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, serves nearly 400 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Wednesday’s Mass was meant to mark the beginning of a new school year. Instead, it has become a day of mourning.

Chief O’Hara said officers are continuing to investigate the shooter’s background but believe he acted alone. His name has not yet been released.

As the city searches for answers, faith leaders and residents alike are turning to prayer. Even in the shadow of tragedy, many are holding fast to the promise that God is near. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).