At least two people are confirmed dead and several others were hurt in a shooting Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, sources told ABC News.
The shooter is “contained;” there’s “no active threat to the community,” city officials said.
Sources said the suspect is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Students in pre-K to eighth grade attend the school and were being dropped off to start the day when the shooting occurred.
“A man dressed in all black and armed with a rifle was reported at the scene, per Fox News.
The young children — clad in their uniforms — left the school holding their parents’ hands.
“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wrote on social media.
“My husband’s a firefighter, and he got a phone call this morning [that] said that there was a incident at Annunciation, and that’s where my niece and nephew go to school … so he just took off on foot,” Emily Feste said to Minneapolis ABC affiliate KSTP. “We heard about 15 minutes ago that they’re safe. But it’s so awful and it’s so scary.”
Walz said state authorities are at the scene investigating.
“Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded,” ABC reported.
“Residents who live in the area said they heard so much gunfire they didn’t call it in to police, thinking it was someone roofing their house, according to Fox 9.
President Donald Trump wrote on social that he’s been “fully briefed on the tragic shooting.”
“The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” the president wrote.
The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also commented on the situation.
“I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families,” she said.
