A devastating shooting occurred on Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and over a dozen people injured. The incident took place during a Mass attended by young students, marking the beginning of the school year. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter fired a rifle through church windows and was also armed with a shotgun and a pistol.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting happened around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with law enforcement responding promptly to the scene. A government official and a law enforcement source briefed on the investigation revealed that the shooter wore all black clothing. Tragically, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were killed while sitting in the pews, and 17 others, including 14 children between the ages of 6 and 14, were injured. The three injured adults were all parishioners in their 80s.
Investigation and Shooter’s Identity
Police immediately entered the church and attempted to provide first aid, with the injured being rushed to area hospitals. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman from suburban Minneapolis, acted alone and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the back of the church. Westman had recently purchased the three guns used in the shooting legally and had no known criminal history. Investigators are aware of a video Westman had scheduled to post on YouTube, described as a manifesto with “disturbing writings,” which has been taken down.
Response from Officials
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. President Trump expressed his condolences, saying he had been “fully briefed on the tragic shooting” and called for flags to be flown at half-staff until August 31. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also reacted to the shooting, with Frey emphasizing the need for change to prevent such incidents in the future.
Aftermath and Reactions
The community is coming to terms with the tragic event, with parents and students affected by the shooting. The incident has sparked a renewed call for action to address gun violence and ensure the safety of schools and places of worship. As the investigation continues, officials are working to provide support to the victims’ families and the community. For more information on the shooting, visit Here.
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