Today in Minneapolis, a tragic shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School during a morning Mass. A 23-year-old gunman named Robin Westman opened fire through the church windows where children and congregants were seated, killing two children aged 8 and 10 and injuring 17 others, including 14 children and 3 elderly parishioners. The shooter then died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The firearms used—a rifle, shotgun, and handgun—were legally obtained by the shooter, who had no prior criminal record. Authorities are investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime aimed at the Catholic community. Videos and writings left by the shooter are under investigation to determine the motive. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other officials have expressed condolences and called for action to prevent such violence. Hundreds gathered in a vigil to honor the victims, and flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff in memory of the deceased children. The injured are expected to recover, though some remain hospitalized. This mass shooting has deeply impacted the Minneapolis community and received responses from local, state, and national officials including the FBI and the White House.
