Children tragically lose their lives, 17 individuals endure injuries following a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
In a shocking turn of events, a shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has left two children dead and 19 people injured. The incident, which occurred during Mass on the first day of the school year, has sent waves of sorrow and disbelief throughout the city and the nation.
The perpetrator, identified by police sources as Robin Westman (formerly Robert Westman), opened fire with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol through the windows of the church. The shooter, who died by suicide at the scene, has not been officially identified by the police due to ongoing investigations and the sensitive nature of the case.
The shooting has claimed the lives of two young souls, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. Among the injured, 14 are children aged 6 to 15, and three adults in their 80s. Fortunately, all the injured are expected to survive.
The police believe the shooter acted alone and do not have any evidence of an extended criminal history. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. A social media post showing the shooter at the scene and containing "disturbing writings" is under investigation.
The shooting has deeply affected the city, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressing his concern over the impact on the students' families and the city as a whole. President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on federal buildings in response to the tragedy. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, sent a telegram of condolences to the victims' relatives.
Hennepin Healthcare, the main trauma hospital in Minneapolis, received 10 patients, including eight children and two adults, with seven in critical condition. Children's Minnesota admitted seven children, ages 9 through 16.
The community is coming together in support, with prayers and condolences pouring in from across the country. Bill Bienemann, a regular attendee at Annunciation Church, reported hearing as many as 50 shots over a period of four minutes. Bienemann's daughter, Alexandra, an alumna of the school, expressed concern for potential acquaintances among the injured.
The shooting does not seem to be related to the other recent violence in Minneapolis, which includes a shooting at a high school and two separate incidents. The police chief stated that officers rescued children who were hiding in the church during the shooting.
Monday marked the first day of the school year at Annunciation, a 102-year-old school in Minneapolis. Recent social media posts from the school show children enjoying back-to-school events, art projects, and ice pops, offering a stark contrast to the tragic events that unfolded.
The Annunciation community, along with the city of Minneapolis, is grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Governor Tim Walz described the violence as "horrific" and expressed heartbreak. As the community mourns, they remain resilient in the face of adversity, finding solace in each other's support.
