In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, a 23-year-old assailant opened fire at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, legally purchased the firearms used in the attack and did not have a prior criminal history.
The assault began around 8:30 a.m. during the school's Mass, with Westman firing through the church's stained-glass windows using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. The victims included an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, both of whom were killed at the scene. Among the 17 injured, 14 were children, and three were elderly parishioners. All injured individuals are expected to survive and have been reunited with their families.
Prior to the attack, Westman posted several videos on YouTube, which have since been removed but continue to circulate online. In these videos, Westman expressed reverence for previous mass shooters and displayed gun magazines inscribed with messages such as "Kill Donald Trump" and various racial slurs. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Authorities have executed search warrants at residences associated with Westman in the Minneapolis area and have recovered additional firearms. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to determine a clear motive for the attack.
The community has been left in shock and mourning following the tragedy. Local residents and officials are coming together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time. The incident has also reignited discussions on gun control and the need for enhanced security measures in schools across the nation.
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