This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Officials responded to a mass-casualty shooting Wednesday morning at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where at least two children were killed and 17 others injured.

The shooting took place about 8:30 a.m. at the Annunciation Church, which has a kindergarten-through-8th-grade school on the property. The shooter fired from outside the building through a window and shot children and staff members who were attending morning mass.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says the shooter who was in his early twenties was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol. He ultimately killed himself.

"This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping," O'Hara said at a midday news conference. "The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible."

"Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed where they sat."

Seventeen other individuals, 14 of whom are children, were also injured, with two listed in critical condition.

"The coward that fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church," O'Hara said. "This deliberate act of violence is just a sign of cruelty that is beyond comprehension."

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports: "An Annunciation parent who was sitting in the back pew at the 8:15 a.m. Mass said students were packed into the pews when a shooter opened fire outside the building with some kind of semiautomatic weapon."

"He just pepper-sprayed through the stained-glass windows into the building, 50 to 100 shots," said the parent, who did not want his name used. "He killed two kids."

"There are no words that can capture the horror and evil of this act," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. "Do not think of these as just somebody else's kids … Think of this as if it were your own."

"Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now! These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church. These are kids who should be learning with their friends."

"I'm so deeply saddened and so sorry to the families that are suffering right now."

"FBI is aware of the reports coming out of @FBIMinneapolis and our agents are en route to the scene. We will provide more updates as able," said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

President Donald Trump said on Truth Social: "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!"

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said: "DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

"We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available.

"I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families."

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated: "The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis is horrifying. Praying for the children, families and first responders during this moment of terror and unimaginable grief. Weapons of war have no place in our neighborhoods, streets or schools."

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., indicated: "I am beyond heartbroken over the tragic news of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. I am praying for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy. I will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates."