Reaction to Tragic Shooting Incident

A man featured in a troubling video purportedly created by a key suspect in Wednesday’s tragic shooting at a Catholic Church and school has publicly condemned the attacker’s “hatred and meaningless violence.”

Brandon Herrera, a Republican Congressional candidate from Texas and an activist on Second Amendment issues, expressed his concerns in a statement sent via email to Fox News Digital following the video’s release.

Herrera stated, “I was horrified by this clearly targeted attack on these innocent children, and I was frustrated to hear my name come out of this monster’s mouth.” He added, “I meet thousands of people each year at the Shot Show in Las Vegas, and I simply don’t remember this person at all, nor does anyone else who was there.”

He also emphasized his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, saying, “I’m open to coordinating with my friends in law enforcement to see how my community and I can assist the families impacted by this senseless act.”

Authorities have identified the shooter, believed to be responsible for the deaths of two children at a Catholic Mass in Minneapolis, under two names: Robin Westman and Robert Westman. Westman is suspected of fatally shooting the children and injuring 17 others at Announcement Catholic School.

The police reported that Westman has died, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The disturbing video that surfaced, attributed to someone using the name Robin Westman, showed handwritten notes, firearms with graphics, and commentary from the creators. YouTube has since removed the clip, and its authenticity has not yet been verified by officials.

In the video, the individual stated: “Brandon Herrera for President. I met him at the Shot Show last year, and we had a brief conversation.”

The Shot Show, which stands for “shooting, hunting, outdoor trade shows,” takes place annually in Las Vegas. Mark Oliva, a spokesperson for the event, informed Fox News Digital that while Westman was registered, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is not participating in the 2024 event.

Oliva clarified, “Only registered attendees can access the Shot Show, which is not open to the general public.”

Herrera, known on social media as “Theakguy,” shared his thoughts on the incident, saying, “I intentionally avoid mentioning the names of those who choose to take innocent lives in Minneapolis.” He expressed concern primarily for the families of the victims, reflecting on the shooters’ consistent narratives.