Two children killed in US Catholic school shooting

GUNMAN opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Catholic church and struck a group of children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 people in an act of violence the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible”.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTERS

Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara said the gunman - armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol - approached the side of the church and shot dozens of rounds through the windows towards the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.

Police believe the gunman then killed himself.

The children who died were eight and 10, and 14 other children were among the wounded, the chief said.

Dozens of youngsters were inside.

Michael Simpson said his 10-year-old grandson, Weston Halsne, was nicked by a bullet as he sat by the church windows.

His voice shaking as he left the area around the school, Mr Simpson said the violence during Mass on the third day of school left him wondering whether God was watching over.

“I don’t know where He is.” he said.