Tragic Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic School
Minneapolis authorities held a second press conference addressing the aftermath of a devastating shooting at a Catholic school, where two children lost their lives and 17 others were injured.
The incident occurred during the 8:15 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, tragically resulting in the deaths of an eight-year-old and a ten-year-old. The shooter, who also took his own life, targeted the kindergarten through eighth-grade school.
The FBI has identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, according to a law enforcement source speaking to reporters.
Investigators are treating this incident as both domestic terrorism and a hate crime, with evidence pointing to Westman’s apparent motivations outlined in a manifesto shared prior to the attack, as stated by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Interestingly, Westman, identified as a transgender woman, had recently changed her name legally from “Robert” to “Robin.” An online application for this name change noted that she identifies as female and wished her name to reflect that identity.
The application required a signature from Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, who worked at the very church and school targeted in the incident.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the conference as an event that nobody wanted to attend. He expressed solidarity with the community, emphasizing the need to understand how to prevent further tragedies.
“We will stand with this community. It’s my hope that no other parent has to receive a call like the ones made today,” Walz stated.
He urged Minnesotans to keep the state in their thoughts and prayers.
In a statement, Walz remarked on the heartbreaking impact of the event, thanking everyone from responding officers to hospital staff working to save lives. He encouraged parents to hold their children close during this difficult time.
Amid these events, it was revealed that Westman had a previously deleted YouTube channel featuring videos in which she brandished firearms and made menacing proclamations. Despite these indicators, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara mentioned that a clear motive remains elusive.
“Sadly, two children were killed during the Mass, pronounced dead on the scene. Additionally, there were 14 other children wounded, as well as three elderly adults,” O’Hara recounted.
No previous criminal history was found for Westman, and all firearms used were reportedly acquired legally.
Moreover, Westman’s manifesto video, which was posted around the time of the shooting, is currently under review by the FBI, as it was taken down from YouTube but has since been reposted on other platforms.
The principal of the school, Matthew DuBois, expressed hope for recovery and rebuilding, using a verse from the Bible to affirm a future filled with hope.
“This school year’s theme was ‘A future filled with hope,’” he stated.
The Annunciation Catholic School had only just resumed classes for the new school year, having opened on Monday after summer break.
In a response to the tragedy, President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff until August 31, 2025.
The investigation into the shooting continues.
