Tragedy Strikes Minneapolis School
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, police responded to a horrifying scene at Announcement School in Minneapolis, where a man opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to several others. The young victims were just 8 and 10 years old, attending a mass celebrating the start of the school year at a local church.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that the shooter, in his early 20s and lacking a significant criminal record, apparently took his own life at the scene. The attack left 17 individuals injured, including 14 children, with two of them in critical condition.
According to O’Hara, the assailant approached the church from outside, barricaded the entrance, and fired numerous shots through the windows.
After the incident, parents were seen rushing to pick up their children from school.
Susan Luff, a neighbor who witnessed the shooting, described seeing a man in black attire with a helmet, wielding a long gun outside the church. She recalled hearing what sounded like 25 or 30 gunshots, which at first made her think someone was dropping a trash can. Thankfully, her grandson was unharmed.
Jeremy Graf, who has lived in the neighborhood for his entire life, mentioned a neighbor’s alert around 8:45 am about gunfire near the school. Graf, concerned for his friends and children who attend the school, expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, “I want to say it’s amazing, but that’s not the case today.”
As officers began their investigation, Jack Friedman, a local who is also a student, reflected on the shock of such an event occurring at a familiar place, acknowledging the naivety in believing it couldn’t happen at his school.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, visibly moved during press conferences, emphasized the heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the affected children, noting that they were in church during their first week back at school.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences on social media, sending prayers to the children and teachers whose school experience was marred by this tragic act of violence.
The national gun control group, led by former Congressman Gabriel Giffords, who himself survived a mass shooting in 2011, released a statement addressing the tragedy.
