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Investigators remained on the scene Thursday at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, one day after a shooter opened fire during a back-to-school Mass with students from the attached school, killing two children and injuring 17 others.
Church and school officials say the campus will remain closed while police complete their work and support services are put in place for students, staff and families.
The shooter, identified as a 23-year-old man, opened fire from outside the church with three firearms, targeting worshippers through the windows. The bullets struck students and elderly parishioners inside. The gunman then died by suicide.
Minneapolis police say the attacker killed an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and wounded 14 other children and three adults in their 80s.
Authorities believe the gunman acted alone and had no significant criminal record. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Principal Matthew DeBoer and Pastor Fr. Dennis Zehren called the event an "impossible situation" and described how staff and first responders moved quickly to protect lives during the chaos.
"Within seconds, our heroic staff moved students under the pews," the statement read. "Law enforcement responded quickly and evacuated all of our children and staff to safety in a matter of minutes when it was safe to do so."
They confirmed all staff are physically safe and accounted for, and said some of the wounded children have already been treated and released from hospital.
"Tragically, we lost two of our beloved students before the scene was secured," they wrote. "Please lift up these families and these children in prayer and surround them and each other with your love during this difficult time."
The school praised parents for their support and patience in reuniting with their children, and promised to share details soon about counselling services and the reopening timeline.
"As we work with a myriad of professional agencies, we will send further communication about support services available to us all," the statement said. "In this time of darkness, let us commit to being the Light to our children, each other and our community. We will rebuild our future filled with hope – together."
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz condemned the attack and expressed sympathy to those affected.
"It’s my strongest desire that no state, no community, no school ever experiences a day like this," he said.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the violence "absolutely incomprehensible," and the Catholic community gathered for a vigil Wednesday evening to honour the victims. Archbishop Bernard Hebda encouraged people to come together in prayer and healing.
The school has not yet announced when classes will resume.