Shooting reported at a school in Minneapolis, according to the governor of Minnesota.

In a tragic display of violence, a shooting occurred Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children aged 8 and 10 and injuries to 17 others. Described by the police chief as “absolutely incomprehensible,” this event took place during Mass, coinciding with the first week of the new school year.

The assailant, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, wielded a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Westman approached the church and fired numerous rounds through the windows into the congregation gathered for worship just before 8:30 a.m. After the shooting, Westman took his own life at the scene.

Among the injured are 14 children and three elderly parishioners, though they are expected to survive. Witness accounts from fifth-grader Weston Halsne reveal the harrowing experience, as he described seeking shelter beneath pews with a friend who was struck by gunfire. Halsne expressed relief that his friend appeared to be recovering, while also praying for the others affected by the tragedy.

The motive behind this attack remains unclear, and whether Westman had any connection to the church is still under investigation. The FBI is treating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime aimed at the Catholic community. Authorities are currently analyzing social media activity linked to the shooter, including videos in which Westman displayed weapons and made threats.

Community response has been one of shock and mourning. Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, emphasized the need for actionable change in the wake of the violence. Frey asserted that thoughts and prayers are insufficient, particularly for those involved in worship during the attack. Bill Bienemann, a longtime churchgoer, recounted hearing as many as 50 shots over several minutes, an experience that left him disbelief.

The shooting is part of a troubling trend of violent incidents in Minneapolis, which has seen a rise in gun violence over the past year, albeit with a noted decrease in overall crime rates compared to the pandemic years. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the underlying causes of such disturbing acts and preventing further tragedies in the community.

In a statement from federal officials, Westman was referred to as transgender, and local authorities have called for respect and understanding towards the transgender community amidst the fallout from this incident. The community, already burdened by grief, is now faced with the complex interplay of violence, identity, and faith as they seek to heal and ensure safety in the future.

This devastating event marks a somber chapter in the ongoing dialogue about gun violence and community safety in America, prompting calls for reform and reflections on the societal conditions that contribute to such tragedies. The city of Minneapolis and the nation at large grapple with the aftermath of an incident that has left indelible scars on families, friends, and the broader community.

Media News Source