Washington, 27 August 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Two children were killed and 17 other people were injured in a shooting during a church service at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, police chief Brian O'Hara said Wednesday.

According to initial reports, most of the victims are believed to be children.

The shooter then took his own life in the car park in front of the school. Police believe he acted alone.

The shooting occurred at around 8:30 am (1330 GMT) during a service marking the first week after the holidays, O'Hara said.

Armed with three weapons, he fired from outside through the church windows, striking children and other worshippers.

The police chief said the children who died were 8 and 10 years old, calling the act of violence "absolutely incomprehensible."

Even before details about the dead and injured were officially released, US President Donald Trump commented on the incident: "The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene," he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He said he was "fully briefed" and asked for prayers for the victims.

Police said the gunman was in his early twenties but there is no information yet on whether he was once a pupil at the school himself.

There is no information yet on possible previous convictions, O'Hara added.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the incident on X as a "horrific act of violence."

In the United States, deadly gun violence is a daily reality, with schools regularly among the targets.