Gunman Named as Death Toll Rises to Two in Minneapolis Shooting

UPDATE: The gunman responsible for the deadly shooting that claimed the lives of two children at a Minneapolis church has been identified as Robin Westman, a local man in his 20s. This tragic incident unfolded around 10:30 AM at the Annunciation Catholic School during a back-to-school mass.

Westman opened fire through the church’s stained glass windows, killing two pupils aged 10 and 8 who were seated in the pews. The attack injured a total of 17 individuals, with 14 of them being children. Emergency response teams are treating two of the injured children in critical condition.

Authorities confirmed that Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His mother, Mary Westman, worked at the school and was scheduled to retire this year. Investigators are looking into a possible manifesto related to the shooter, as well as a troubling 20-minute YouTube video shared just hours before the attack, which features gun diagrams and an obsession with mass shooters.

“The gunman began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews during the mass,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

In addition to the devastating loss of life, the community is grappling with the shocking aftermath. Parents rushed to the school as chaos erupted, highlighting the urgent need for safety in schools and public spaces.

Meanwhile, videos linked to Westman showcase weapons, including a semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun, with disturbing messages such as “for the children” and “kill Donald Trump” written on ammunition magazines.

In response to the tragedy, President Trump has ordered flags at the White House and all public buildings to be flown at half-mast until sunset on Sunday, as a sign of respect for the victims of this senseless violence.

This developing story underscores the pressing issues of gun violence and public safety, as more details are expected to emerge. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation into this horrific incident.

As the community mourns, the focus now shifts to healing and understanding the motives behind this tragic event. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.