Documents released by investigators detail the swift response from law enforcement to a shooting at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul last September, but they offer little insight into what motivated a student to open fire, killing two people and wounded several others before police took him into custody.
Background
The Sept. 17, 2025 attack occurred around 10:30 a.m., sending students and staff fleeing from the private Catholic school in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood. Police responded within minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting an active shooter on campus. Officers encountered the suspect near the school's main entrance and took him into custody without incident, authorities said at the time.
Two victims — identified as a teacher and a parent volunteer — died at the scene. Three other people were hospitalized with injuries, including a student who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old student at the school, was booked into the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center on two counts of second-degree murder.
The Investigation
The documents released this week by the St. Paul Police Department and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office provide a timeline of the response but contain significant redactions regarding investigative details. Investigators have declined to discuss potential motives, citing an ongoing investigation that remains open nearly 12 months later.
Court records show the teen has been charged as an adult. His defense attorney has entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf and requested access to mental health evaluations. A judge ordered the case sealed to protect the juvenile defendant's rights.
The school district confirmed at the time of the shooting that it had no prior disciplinary issues involving the suspect and that he had attended Nativity of Our Lord since kindergarten. School officials declined comment Wednesday, referring questions to the diocese's communications office.
Key Takeaways
- Two people were killed and three injured in the Sept. 17, 2025 shooting at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul
- A 16-year-old student was taken into custody within minutes of police arrival and has been charged as an adult with two counts of second-degree murder
- Newly released documents detail law enforcement's rapid response but contain limited information about the suspect's potential motive
- The investigation remains ongoing nearly a year after the shooting, with no timeline for conclusion
- Defense attorneys have entered not guilty pleas and requested mental health evaluations on behalf of the accused teen
What's Next
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in Ramsey County District Court in October. Prosecutors have indicated they may seek an adult sentence if convicted, which could result in decades of incarceration given the severity of the charges. The defense has until September to complete its investigation and file any motions challenging evidence or the prosecution's handling of the case.
Investigators have asked anyone with additional information about the shooting to contact their tip line. The school has since implemented enhanced security measures, including a new entry system and revised lockdown protocols developed in consultation with safety experts.