In the United States, two children were shot dead during a service at a Catholic school. 17 people were also injured, according to Minneapolis (Minnesota) Police Chief Brian O'Hara. The majority of the victims were believed to be children. According to current investigations, the shooter subsequently took his own life in the school parking lot. Police believe he was the only shooter.

Shooter shoots into church from outside

The attack occurred at 8:30 a.m. local time during a service marking the first week after the holiday season at Annunciation Catholic Church in south Minneapolis, O'Hara said. The shooter reportedly had three weapons and fired through the church's windows from outside. He hit children and other worshipers, O'Hara said. The two dead were eight and ten years old, respectively.

The shooter was"in his early twenties," but there's no information yet as to whether he was once a student himself. There's no information yet on any possible criminal record, O'Hara said.

US President asks for prayers

Even before details of the deaths and victims were officially released, US President Donald Trump also commented on the incident:"The FBI responded quickly and is on the scene," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. He said he had been informed of the incident and asked for prayers for the victims.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the incident on X a"horrific act of violence." U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem spoke on X about a"horrific shooting incident" at a Catholic school that her department was monitoring.

In the United States, lethal gun violence is a daily occurrence. Incidents also occur frequently in schools. Pistols and larger-caliber weapons are readily available and in circulation by the millions. Particularly serious attacks repeatedly spark debates about tightening gun laws. However, concrete progress has so far been lacking – primarily due to resistance from Republicans and the financially influential gun lobby, which has been blocking reforms for years.