Investigation into Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

On Wednesday, CNN’s law enforcement and intelligence analyst, John Miller, stated there isn’t sufficient information to classify the recent shootings at Catholic schools as a hate crime.

During a service at the Announcement Catholic School in Minneapolis, a shooter opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to at least 17 others before taking their own life. CNN Newsnight host Abby Phillip inquired about comments made by FBI Director Kash Patel regarding “hate crimes targeting Catholics.”

Miller said, “As I examine the shooter’s writings and videos, it’s clear that there was a profound hatred—directed at black individuals, Jews, God, and specifically at the Catholic Church.” He also noted that investigations are ongoing, mentioning the Minneapolis police’s focus on murder cases, and expressed skepticism that non-criminals would face charges unless new evidence emerges soon.

“We’re largely concluding that this could indeed be a hate crime against Catholics, as we attempt to find a rationale for what is ultimately irrational behavior,” Miller added.

The suspect, a biological male who identified as transgender, had posted several videos on YouTube featuring firearms and a message that called for President Donald Trump’s death, while also voicing anti-Christian and anti-Semitic views. Some media outlets have used female pronouns when discussing the shooter, despite their biological identity.

Clinical psychologists on the panel expressed concerns about Patel’s comments. Dr. Jeff Gardare questioned the political ideology behind the actions, saying, “This is someone who actually attended that school at some point, so it’s uncertain whether this person even identified as Catholic. We need to assess whether there is any rationality behind their actions, which resembles what we see in terrorism.”