Here’s what’s been confirmed so far about the Minneapolis church shooting:
Police say a 23-year-old identified as Robin Westman opened fire through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church during a school Mass around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, killing two children (ages 8 and 10) and injuring at least 17 others (14 children and three adults). Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and officials say there is no active threat to the community. (The Washington Post)
Authorities report Westman legally purchased the firearms and had no criminal history. Investigators are reviewing videos that were posted to YouTube around the time of the attack, which showed multiple weapons and magazines scrawled with messages and included apologies to family. (The Washington Post)
Court records indicate Westman changed their name from Robert to Robin in 2020; police also said Westman had previously attended the school and that Westman’s mother worked at the parish until 2021. (The Washington Post)
The FBI is treating the incident as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The investigation is ongoing, and officials say all injured victims are expected to survive. (The Washington Post)
If you’re in the area, follow guidance from local authorities and avoid the scene while investigators work.
