A devastating shooting occurred on Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and over a dozen injured.
The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a suburban Minneapolis resident, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Westman, who had previously attended mass at the church and visited the school, used three firearms to fire dozens of shots through the windows of the church. Police found a manifesto, timed to publish on YouTube during the shooting, which was taken down by the FBI.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics”. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Westman acted alone and didn’t have an extensive known criminal history. Officials are still trying to determine the motive behind the attack.
Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed in the shooting, while 14 children and 3 adults were injured. Some of the children are in critical condition, with one student, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, undergoing emergency surgery.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the hatred directed towards the transgender community following the attack. Meanwhile, local and national leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and President Trump, have offered their condolences and prayers for the victims and their families .
The school will remain closed for the time being, and a vigil was held at Lynnhurst Park to mourn the dead and pray for the wounded. A fundraiser has been set up for Sophia Forchas, one of the victims in critical condition.
The community is coming together to support the affected families and students during this difficult time.