MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on the south side of Minneapolis has left two children dead and 17 others injured, including 14 children — one as young as 6. The incident took place during the school’s morning mass on Wednesday.
Annunciation Catholic School Shooting Details
Police responded to the scene at approximately 8:27 a.m. after neighbors reported hearing a significant amount of gunfire, reports Fox9. Authorities have confirmed that the gunman, a man dressed in black, acted alone. He was later found dead behind the church from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Initial investigations reveal that the gunman did not have an extensive criminal history. He has been identified by police as Robin Westman, 23.
KARE is reporting the gunman’s mother worked at Annunciation Catholic School. The source also reported that in 2020 Westman applied to change his name to Robin from his birth name Robert.
The two young victims, ages 8 and 10, were shot and killed while sitting in pews inside the church. Authorities believe most of the shooting occurred from outside the building, as indicated by the lack of shell casings found inside. The shooter reportedly was in the parking lot and shot through the stained-glass windows at people sitting in the pews.
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It’s unclear the full extent of the other victims’ injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Despite earlier reports that there were explosives at the scene, police confirmed there were no explosives or improvised devices, reports CNN. The swift response from law enforcement and the evacuation of the school ensured that further tragedy was averted. Families of the students were directed to a reunification zone established at the school.
The city of Minneapolis has assured residents that there is no active threat to the community.
Founded in 1923, Annunciation Catholic School has an enrollment of 391 students for the current school year, with a structured class size of about 20 students per grade, reports the Associated Press. This shooting happened in the first week as students returned from summer vacation.
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Neighbors and eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with gunfire echoing through the neighborhood.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to understand the motive behind the shooting. NBC News is reporting that the alleged shooter had posted videos online with writings referring to suicide, violent thoughts, an apology to their family, and a sketch of the interior of a church. It hasn’t been determined if the sketch is of the church involved in the mass shooting.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiries.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
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