SHUMAILA ASLAM
Scandinavian News Agency
Bureau Chief Pakistan
Minneapolis police have confirmed a deadly shooting at a Catholic school that left two children dead and 17 others injured on Wednesday morning.
Authorities said the gunman, who later took his own life, opened fire during a school prayer service in the city’s southern district.
The incident occurred at Annunciation Catholic School, where children had gathered for morning prayers.
The attacker fired multiple rounds from outside the building, striking students seated inside on church benches. Two victims, ages eight and ten, were killed instantly.
Fourteen other children, between six and 15 years old, were wounded—two of them critically—though officials said later in the day that they are expected to survive.
Three elderly worshippers, all parishioners over the age of 80, were also injured in the attack.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Police Chief Brian O’Hara said. “The act of deliberately targeting children in a place of worship is beyond comprehension. The cruelty and cowardice of this attack is staggering.”
According to investigators, the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman of Richfield, had recently purchased a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—all legally.
Police believe Westman acted alone. Court records show that in 2020, Westman legally changed her name from Robert to Robin after identifying as a woman.
Authorities also discovered that the attacker had prepared a manifesto and scheduled it for online release.
The material, which police described as “disturbing,” was removed with FBI assistance. The FBI has now classified the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and an anti-Catholic hate crime.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda expressed deep sorrow, saying, “My heart is broken for the students, teachers, clergy, and worshippers who endured this horrific violence in a sacred place where everyone should feel safe.”
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