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A shooting incident unfolded Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and 17 others injured before the attacker took their own life, according to authorities. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the gunfire erupted just before 8:30 am local time as students gathered for Mass.
The victims who died were eight and 10 years old. Fourteen other children, ranging in age from 6 to 15, were wounded but are expected to survive, according to AP, along with three parishioners in their 80s who were also hit by gunfire.
Hundreds later gathered at a vigil in a nearby school gym, where Gov Tim Walz, Sen Amy Klobuchar and Catholic clergy joined grieving families. Archbishop Bernard Hebda reflected on the church’s inscription, reported AP, saying: “How is it that such a terrible tragedy could take place in a place that’s the house of God and the gate of heaven? It’s unthinkable.”
Authorities identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol. Police said Westman fired dozens of rounds through the church’s windows at children in the pews before dying by suicide.
Some children shielded one another as bullets struck the sanctuary. Fifth-grader Weston Halsne told reporters he ducked beneath a pew as a friend covered him. “I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s okay,” Halsne said, s per AP.
Authorities credited both police and school staff with saving lives. Officers rushed into the building, administered first aid, and helped children hiding throughout the church. Annunciation principal Matt DeBoer said, as per AP, adults shielded younger students: “Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children.”
Parents described the moments of survival. Vincent Francoual said his daughter Chloe, 11, hid in a locked room with classmates.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the attack is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a possible hate crime against Catholics. O’Hara noted, as per AP, that police have not found a direct connection between Westman and the church but are reviewing disturbing online content linked to the case.
A YouTube channel under the name “Robin W” posted videos before the shooting. In one, a cache of weapons is displayed with messages such as “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” written on them. Another video showed what appeared to be a drawing of the church, with the windows marked before being stabbed with a knife.
In the same material, a handwritten letter addressed to family members was displayed, apologising for the consequences of the violence and expressing love: “To my mother and father, I am sorry I didn’t turn out as you had hoped. You did not fail me. You gave me so much.”
Westman, who legally purchased the weapons recently, did not have an extensive criminal history, according to the police chief. The individual was believed to have acted alone.
Court records show that in 2020 a judge approved a name change from Robert to Robin, citing that the petitioner identified as female. Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned attempts to use the tragedy as a reason to target the transgender community.
Westman’s uncle former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer told AP he barely knew his nephew but was devastated: “He was my nephew, and I wish he had shot me instead of innocent schoolchildren.”
President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, said he had been briefed on the “tragic shooting” and noted that the White House would keep monitoring the situation. “The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene,” Trump wrote, adding: “The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”
Gov Walz called the shooting “evil and horror and death” and joined Trump in ordering flags lowered to half-staff. The White House said Trump spoke directly with Walz about the tragedy.
From Rome, Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences, calling for prayers for the victims’ families.
Rep Ilhan Omar, who represents the Minneapolis district, visited the scene while Archbishop Gregory Hartmeyer of Atlanta urged lawmakers to advance gun safety measures.
(With inputs from AP)
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