As many as 20 people were injured in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis Wednesday morning, according to two federal law enforcement sources. Sources tell CBS News that the shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting triggered a massive law enforcement response at 54th Street between Harriet and Garfield avenues. Minneapolis police said there is no active threat to the public. Authorities say there will be a news conference at 10:30 a.m.
An active shooter incident occurred early Wednesday morning at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, resulting in multiple casualties. Police responded to the scene at 509 W 54th Street, where an armed suspect reportedly opened fire with a rifle. The current status of the suspect remains unknown and a large number of emergency services have been deployed to secure the area. Initial reports indicate multiple victims, including fatalities, with the gunman reportedly armed with a rifle. A significant number of emergency responders have been dispatched as officers work to secure the area. The church was reportedly hosting preschool classes at the time of the attack. Several victims, including children, have been transported to nearby hospitals.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed on Wednesday that two children were killed and 17 others were injured, 14 of whom were children. "The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible," O'Hara said while addressing reporters. Additionally, O'Hara said police believe the assailant took his own life. The suspect is believed to have shot through the church windows into the area where the children were praying. He was confirmed to have a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol. There was a smoke bomb found at the scene.