Shooting Reported at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN - Early Wednesday morning, law enforcement responded to reports of a possible shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and adjoining school in south Minneapolis, disrupting the first week of classes for prekindergarten through eighth-grade students.

At approximately 8:27 a.m., multiple residents near 53rd Avenue South and Bryant Avenue South reported hearing a sustained burst of gunfire lasting nearly a minute. Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives converged on the scene, establishing a perimeter around the church and school grounds.

Parents and children were escorted into the school’s basement for shelter as officers swept the building for threats. No confirmed injuries have yet been reported, and authorities have not released information on any suspects or weapons involved. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he was “monitoring reports of horrific violence in south Minneapolis” and that the city’s emergency response team had been activated. He urged residents to “give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation”.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, briefed on the incident, issued a statement expressing concern for students and staff on the first week back at school: “I’m praying for our children and educators whose first week back at school has been overshadowed by this terrible act of violence,” he said.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the surrounding neighborhood for witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Minneapolis Police Department.