In a heartbreaking incident on Wednesday morning, a mass shooting occurred at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving 14 children injured and two tragically deceased. During a late press conference, the city's police chief confirmed that all injured children are expected to survive, with some already having been released from the hospital.
The shooting took place just before 8:30 a.m. as a shooter opened fire through the windows of the church while children were seated inside. Among the victims, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old lost their lives, while a total of seventeen people sustained injuries in the attack. The injured children, aged between 6 and 15, were attending a morning service at the church. Additionally, three elderly parishioners in their 80s were also among the injured.
The FBI has identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, originally named Robert Westman. Authorities reported that the suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police recovered three firearms at the scene, including one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun, all of which were legally purchased by the shooter.
In the wake of the shooting, police chief O'Hara announced that multiple search warrants have been issued for the church and three residences linked to Westman throughout the Minneapolis metro area. Investigators have recovered electronic devices related to the suspect but have not found any additional firearms. O'Hara emphasized the urgency of the investigation, stating that authorities are combing through dozens of pages of documents, in collaboration with the FBI, to uncover a possible motive for this tragic event.
While the investigation into the shooting continues, O'Hara assured the community that additional police patrols will be deployed as children return to school across the metro area this week. The police chief noted that, although the incident appears to be premeditated, a clear motive has yet to be established. Notably, the shooter had no prior criminal history, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding this devastating attack.
This tragic event has left the community in shock, and our thoughts remain with the families affected by this senseless act of violence. Authorities continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of citizens and uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking incident.
