Minneapolis mayor dismisses ‘thoughts and prayers’ after children killed during Catholic school shooting

“Children are dead, there are families that have a deceased child. You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy or absolute pain of the situation,” Frey told reporters at a press conference. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church.”

Police confirmed that two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed during the attack. Seventeen others were injured, including 14 children, with two in critical condition. The suspect took his own life in the rear of the church.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said investigators believe the shooter fired from outside the church into stained-glass windows while parishioners and students were gathered for morning mass. “The coward who fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church,” O’Hara said. Authorities also discovered a device outside the building that released smoke, though no shell casings were located inside.

Witnesses said the sanctuary was packed with students when the gunman opened fire. One parent told the Star Tribune that the shooter “pepper-sprayed through the stained-glass windows into the building."

Classes had resumed at Annunciation Catholic School only days earlier. Wednesday’s service was the first mass of the new academic year.

This is a breaking news story. Refresh for updates.