Law enforcement officials are analyzing video archives, recordings and the movements of the gunman who opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis to establish possible ties to the religious community and its school. The incident took the lives of two minors and injured 17 people.
Robin Westman, 23, armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, fired multiple shots at students inside Annunciation High School during a service early Wednesday, according to police chief Brian O'Hara.
After the attack, the attacker committed suicide, the government spokesman added.
The deceased were eight and ten years old.
Fourteen students and three elderly parishioners suffered varying degrees of injury, but their lives are not in danger, police said.
On the evening of the tragedy, hundreds of residents gathered in the school gym to support each other and honor the victims. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and members of the clergy attended the event.
Addressing the crowd, Archbishop Bernard Hebda stressed that at a critical moment, many students showed selflessness in protecting their comrades.
“In the midst of chaos, one could see courage, fortitude and, above all, love,” he said during a speech at the Academy of the Holy Angels, located near the crime scene.
Reverend Dennis Zeren, who was in the church with nearly 200 children, said the congregation was finishing a psalm about light in the darkness when the shooting began.
Suddenly there were shouts of “On the floor! Everybody on the floor!” followed by shots.
Fifth-grader Weston Halsne said he had to take cover behind a church pew while his friend shielded him.
According to the boy, his friend was wounded but is now safe.
FBI Director Cash Patel said in his speech at Platform X that the incident was being treated as domestic terrorism and a crime motivated by hatred of Catholics.
According to social media data, the suspect's mother previously worked in the church community, retiring in 2021.
It has not yet been confirmed whether Robin Westman was affiliated with the school or was a regular temple attendee.
Police have not yet established the exact reasons for the attack, but are studying social media posts that are believed to be related to the perpetrator.
The victims included teenagers aged 6 to 15, O'Hara said. A smoke bomb and wooden structures used to block the entrances were found at the scene.
Two videos were posted on a YouTube channel called Robin W, which was deleted after the incident.
One showed an arsenal of weapons with the words “Death to Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” Another showed a schematic of a church with windows marked, into which a knife was then plunged.
The materials also mentioned the annual gun show in Las Vegas and a meeting with Texas politician Brandon Herrera, known as The AK Guy.
Herrera himself, denying knowing the suspect, expressed outrage at what happened and a willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Westman's relative, former Kentucky Rep. Bob Helleringer, said he had little contact with his nephew and was shocked by the tragedy.
According to police, the attacker had no serious criminal history and acted alone.
Federal authorities confirm Westman's transgender identity. Minneapolis mayor condemns anti-LGBT hate speech.
According to the documents, in 2020, the offender's mother filed a petition to change her name from Robert to Robin, citing gender identity.
Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and provided first aid to the victims.
Principal Matt DeBoer praised the heroism of teachers and students: “The kids were taking cover, the adults were protecting them, the older ones were helping the younger ones.”
The father of 11-year-old Chloe Francoual said his daughter was saved by hiding in a utility room, but the details of her rescue remain unclear due to psychological trauma.
“Today she admitted that she thought about death,” he shared.
Governor Walz noted that the start of the school year has been marred by tragedy, and President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff in mourning.
The Vatican expressed condolences via a telegram from Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States.
Annunciation School, founded 102 years ago, is located in a south suburb of Minneapolis. Former employee Karin Cebulla described it as a place of kindness and support.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
