India, Aug. 27 -- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed deep condolences over the shooting at the Annunciation Church and school that left three people, including two kids and the shooter dead, and injured 17 others, saying that children died in the incident.

"I am extremely sorry," he said. He said that the kids were literally praying when the incident took place. While he did not specify the number of victims, Frey said that "children are dead".

"You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or absolute pain of this moment," Frey said while addressing a press briefing. He added that "this kind of evil act should never happen".

Frey, a Democrat, said in a pointed reference, "Don't just say this is about 'thoughts and prayers' right...