Minneapolis officials confirmed that at least two children were killed and more than a dozen others wounded on Wednesday after a gunman opened fire during a Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota.
Law enforcement sources told Fox News the suspect may have gone by two names — Robin Westman and Robert Westman. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter, described as being in his early 20s and dressed in black, specifically targeted the Mass, which was held during the first week of the school year for students.
“During the Mass, a gunman approached on the outside on the side of the building and began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews at the Mass. Shooting through the windows, he struck children and worshipers that were inside the building,” O’Hara said. “The shooter was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol. This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
Chief O’Hara added, “Two young children, ages eight and 10, were killed where they sat in the pews. Their parents have been notified. Seventeen other people were injured, 14 of them being children,” noting that “the coward who fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed his grief, saying, “There are no words that can capture the horror and the evil of this unspeakable act.
“We are a Minneapolis family. But to everybody out there, do not think of these as just somebody else’s kids. Those families are suffering immense pain right now. Think of this as if it were your own. Every one of us needs to be wrapping our arms around these families, giving them every ounce that we can muster,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that there is no longer any danger to the public. The Minneapolis Police Department issued a statement assuring residents that “there is no active threat to the community at this time” and “the shooter is contained.” A law enforcement source confirmed to Fox News that the suspect, whose name has not yet been officially released, is deceased.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the tragedy, stating, “I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School” and “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”
Hennepin Healthcare reported on X that it is treating victims of the attack, while Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed that six of the injured children are receiving care.
Video footage from the scene captured heartbreaking moments as parents rushed to escort their children away from the school. Local residents told Fox 9 they heard so many rounds of gunfire that they initially assumed the noise was construction work, possibly someone roofing a nearby home.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, “DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.”
“We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families,” she added.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that agents “are responding to reports of an active shooter situation at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis,” according to the agency’s St. Paul office.
President Donald Trump commented on the incident, saying he has been “fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Annunciation Catholic School serves students in grades K-8 and had only just started its school year on Monday, Fox 9 reported.
{Matzav.com}
