President Trump offered condolences after a shooter opened fire Wednesday during a Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school, killing two children and injuring 17 other people.

The gunman, a man in his early 20s, died from shooting himself.

“I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

A White House official confirmed that the president spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about the situation. 

“We’re at the White House monitoring the situation in Minneapolis. Join all of us in praying for the victims,” Vice President J.D. Vance wrote on X.

Mr. Trump later ordered the lowering of flags to half-staff at all federal buildings, including the White House, as well as all public grounds, military posts and naval vessels through sunset on August 31.

In a proclamation ordering the flags flown at half-staff, Mr. Trump called it “a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence” at Annunciation Catholic School.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol. The gunman approached the side of the church and shot through the windows at the children sitting in the pews during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School. 

The school was evacuated, and students’ families were later directed to a “reunification zone.”

• This story was based in part on wire services.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.