Police in Minneapolis say a suspected shooter has been “contained” following reports of gunfire at a Catholic school on the city’s south side, on what was only the third day of the new school year.
Authorities confirmed that officers were called to Annunciation Catholic School on West 54th Street at around 8.15am local time (2.15pm UK time) on Wednesday, where students had gathered for an all-school Mass.
Governor Tim Walz described the incident as “horrific”, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’ve been briefed on the 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.”
The City of Minneapolis said in an official statement:
- “There is an active police situation at Annunciation Church, 509 W. 54th St.
- The shooter is contained.
- There is no active threat to the community at this time.”
Parents were seen rushing to the scene as students were evacuated from the pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school.
There has been no immediate confirmation of casualties. Emergency services remain at the scene and residents have been urged to avoid the area to allow medical teams and investigators to work.
This latest incident comes amid renewed debates in the US over school safety and gun control legislation, with the start of the academic year overshadowed by tragedy in Minnesota.
Police say updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
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