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The Minneapolis Police said the shooter began firing from outside the church, shooting through the windows where an all-school mass was happening.
WASHINGTON — U.S. leaders are reacting to a deadly mass shooting at a Minnesota Catholic school that killed two children and injured at least 17 people, calling the attack a “terrible situation.”
The Minneapolis Police said the shooter began firing from outside the church, shooting through the windows of a church where schoolchildren were sitting for an all-school mass.
Monday was the first day of school, and social media photos from that day show students in green uniforms greeting each other at bicycle racks, smiling for the camera and sitting together.
Details about the shooting are still emerging, but at a Wednesday morning press conference, law enforcement officials confirmed that two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed in the attack. At least 17 more people, including 14 children, were injured.
Here are the responses from elected officials and government officials to the shooting:
President Donald Trump
The Republican president quickly took to Truth Social to confirm the FBI was part of the response to the shooting, and said his administration would continue to monitor the aftermath of the shooting.
“I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” Trump wrote. “The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem, Trump’s Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said her agency was monitoring the situation.
“DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis,” Noem posted on X. “We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.”
FBI Director Kash Patel
The head of the FBI said agents were on scene shortly after the shooting, and would provide updates as more information becomes available.
“We are aware of reports of a shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota,” he said. “FBI agents are on scene, and we ask everyone to keep potential victims, civilians or law enforcement in harm’s way in your prayers. The @FBI will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
Gov. Tim Walz called the gunfire “horrific” on social media Wednesday morning, saying he had been briefed on the situation.
“I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information. The BCA and State Patrol are on scene,” he wrote on X.
“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”
Sen. Amy Klobachar
The Minnesota senator posted on X that she was “heartbroken” by the attack.
“I am heartbroken by the horrific violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis this morning” she wrote. “My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families, and I am grateful for the first responders who are on the scene.”
Sen. Tina Smith
Minnesota’s junior senator said her office was monitoring the situation in Minneapolis and thanked law enforcement for their quick response.
“My staff and I are monitoring the situation at Annunciation Catholic School. I’m grateful for the quick response of law enforcement as we continue to gather information,” she posted. “It’s the first week of school. These kids should not be fearing for their lives.”
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