August 27, 2025

Statement from the entire Minneapolis City Council

Minneapolis City Council Joint Statement on Annunciation Catholic School Shooting

“This is a heartbreaking day for our City. Our hearts are with the students, families, educators, and clergy of Annunciation Catholic Church and School.

The entire Minneapolis City Council stands united in the face of this unspeakable attack on our children. We stand with the students, families, educators, clergy, and our entire community grieving not only the lives lost, but also the loss of our sense of safety and security that should come with going to school and gathering in places of worship. Our schools and our faith communities are supposed to be sanctuaries, not places where people fear for their lives.

This tragedy is something that has become far too common in our country. Every level of government must act to ensure that these preventable tragedies never happen again. We are committed to working with local, state, federal government, and all other partners to pass meaningful changes to our laws that will make our community safer. Thoughts and prayers cannot be our only response.

We condemn those who would use this tragedy to divide our community. In this moment, we must be united in grief, healing, and action. We will continue to stand together with our entire community as we navigate this devastating moment together. 

Thank you to all first-responders, both law enforcement and emergency medical services, for their quick response to the call and immediate intervention. Their action no doubt prevented this tragedy from becoming even worse.

Please hold our city in your hearts as we grieve, begin the healing process, and recommit ourselves to creating a safer future.

There will be a vigil tonight at Lynnhurst Park (1345 W Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419) from 8:00–9:00 PM for the victims of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, organized by Moms Demand Action and Protect MN. Please be mindful as you make your way to the park. Parking in the immediate area is very limited. We encourage those who are able to take public transportation, bike, or walk. Out of respect for the neighbors and the solemn nature of the event, we ask attendees not to gather or loiter in the park before or after.

There are support services and resources available for all impacted by this tragedy. If you are in need of support, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• Family Response and Stabilization Service: Phone: 612-979-9511 (Available 24/7 phone or in-person visit)
• Cope Mobile Crisis Response: In Hennepin County: 612-596-1223 (Available 24/7 phone, virtual, or in-person visit)
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 (Available 24/7 phone)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or text AYUDA for help in Spanish (Available 24/7 phone)

For emergencies, please call 911.”

‘Deliberate act against kids’ Two children dead, 17 other people injured in shooting at Minneapolis church

There are no words that can capture the horror and tragedy of the unspeakable act of evil at Annunciation Catholic Church that took place in the City of Minneapolis.

Just before 8:30 a.m., Minneapolis Police officers responded to a call about an active shooting situation at the Church of the Annunciation at 509 W. 54^th St. in Minneapolis. When they arrived, officers discovered that the shooter fired through a church window from the outside of the building, where dozens of children were sitting in the pews while attending mass on the first week of school.

Police say an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old died, and initial reports indicate 17 other people are injured. Fourteen of the 17 are children. Two of the 17 people injured are in critical condition. 

“Right now, our entire city needs to wrap these families in love and support. The City is setting up a family assistance center to provide them with resources and care,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “We are a Minneapolis family. Don't think about these children just as someone else's kids. Think of them as your own. This was their first week of school. They should be laughing and goofing off in the hallways right now. They should be learning and playing with their friends on the playground.”

According to Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter acted alone. Police say he died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is no safety threat to the public at this time, and a motive for the incident is unknown. 

“Our entire community has been traumatized by this attack,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. “Our hearts are broken by the sheer cruelty of this tragedy and deliberate act against kids. MPD and the broader law enforcement community share in this immense grief with our community, the Annunciation parish and the families of the victims.” 

The families of children at the school can go to the reunification zone at the Annunciation School: 525 W. 54th St. Everyone else should continue to avoid this area.

Watch the 11 a.m. news conference.

Statement from Minneapolis City Council Members Emily Koski and Linea Palmisano whose wards border the shooting scene

“This is a heartbreaking day for our city. Today, we must come together in compassion and support for those directly impacted. Our hearts are with the students, families, educators, and clergy of Annunciation. Please hold our community in your thoughts as we navigate this tragedy together.

“We want to thank the first responders whose quick and courageous actions contained the threat and prevented this tragedy from becoming even worse.”

Connect with Elliott and Ward 1 Staff

Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2023 to represent Ward 1

Elliott serves on the President of the Minneapolis City Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Public Health & Safety Committee, Budget Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and Committee of the Whole. 

Contact the Ward 1 Council Office

Elliott Payne, Council Member - Email

Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - Email

Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate - Email

Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - Email

Office Phone - (612) 673-2201

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1

Our offices have officially moved back to City Hall! You can visit us at 

City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415

For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.