Two boys and two adults were killed in a shooting in Minneapolis, the city authorities said on Sunday, adding that the suspect shot himself in the head.
Earlier, there were reports of two children shot dead outside the house and a supposed hostage situation, as the shooter entered the property where another victim was at that moment.
Witnesses outside the property also reported a possible hostage situation.
According to police spokesman John Elder, the situation is likely "domestic-related".
The boys were reportedly playing in the snow outside the house when the suspect shot them both.
The incident happened at around 10 a.m.
Reporters at the scene say that the police have also evacuated eight houses nearby because "this is about the safety of a community".