A Catholic college in south Minneapolis was struck by tragedy on Wednesday morning when an energetic shooter opened hearth throughout scholar drop-off, leaving a number of victims injured and a group in mourning. Authorities later confirmed that the gunman is useless.
The taking pictures unfolded at Annunciation Catholic College, the place youngsters had solely simply returned for his or her first week again after summer time break.
Witnesses reported a heavy presence of ambulances dashing to the scene. Native retailers confirmed that 5 youngsters are receiving remedy at Youngsters’s Minnesota Hospital, which declined to launch additional particulars to guard the privateness of the younger victims and their households.
The primary emergency name got here in at 8:27 a.m., simply minutes after the day was meant to start with a morning mass.
Police confirmed {that a} man wearing black and armed with a rifle was reported on the varsity grounds.
The Richfield Police Division, from the neighboring suburb, stated there could also be as many as 20 victims, although the variety of fatalities has not but been confirmed.
By mid-morning, town of Minneapolis assured residents that there was “no energetic menace to the group”, although streets close to the varsity remained closed as first responders labored to assist victims and safe the realm.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that state police and the Bureau of Prison Apprehension have been on the scene. “I’m praying for our children and academics whose first week of faculty was marred by this horrific act of violence,” he stated.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey additionally rushed to the location, calling the incident “horrific violence” and confirming that town’s emergency response group had been activated.
Nationwide leaders expressed sorrow and pledged assist. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Safety Kristi Noem stated her division was monitoring the state of affairs carefully, including, “I’m praying for the victims of this heinous assault and their households.”
President Donald Trump additionally posted on-line, urging the nation to affix him in prayer for these affected.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Workplace stated in a press release that its officers have been helping the Minneapolis Police Division. “Our hearts exit to all these impacted by this act of violence,” the assertion learn.
For college kids of Annunciation Catholic College, the place youngsters vary from preschool by way of eighth grade, the brand new college yr had solely begun Monday.
Images shared earlier this week confirmed smiling youngsters reuniting after summer time break. Now, those self same school rooms and hallways have develop into the location of devastation.
The taking pictures is the fourth in Minneapolis inside 24 hours, compounding fears in a metropolis already grappling with escalating gun violence.
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