Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, United States of America, killing two children and injuring 17 others during a worship service in their first week of school.
The shooting began shortly after 8:00 a.m. local time (14:00 BST) inside Annunciation Church, where students had gathered for prayers. Police confirmed that two victims, aged eight and 10, died at the scene. Fourteen of the injured were children, while three elderly parishioners in their 80s were also hurt.
“This is a devastating day for Minneapolis,” Police Chief Brian O’Hara said. “Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children, for the young lives fighting to recover, and for the entire community that has been so deeply traumatised by this senseless attack.”
Suspect Identified
The suspected attacker was identified as a 23-year-old ‘transgender’, Robin Westman, from suburban Minneapolis. He was described as dressed in all black and armed with three weapons: a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. Police also found a smoke bomb inside a vehicle believed to belong to him in the church car park.
O’Hara said Westman had no “extensive known criminal history” and appeared to have acted alone. Investigators discovered a manifesto that the suspect had timed to go live on YouTube during the attack; it was swiftly taken down with FBI assistance.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and police have not confirmed any family connection between Westman and the school. The attacker died at the scene.
Victims and Medical Response
Hennepin County Medical Center reported that seven children between the ages of six and 14 were admitted in critical condition, with four undergoing emergency surgery. Other victims were taken to nearby hospitals. All surviving victims are expected to recover.
“Every single one of these children is part of a Minneapolis family, an American family,” said Mayor Jacob Frey, who called the shooting “extraordinary in its pain.” He urged action against gun violence, adding: “Don’t just say this is about ‘thoughts and prayers’ right now. These kids were literally praying.”
Annunciation School
Annunciation Catholic School, which serves students from preschool through Grade 8, describes itself as committed to faith-based learning and community engagement. It also maintains a partnership with a sister school in Haiti.
At a press conference, school principal Matt DeBoer held back tears as he addressed parents, students, and the broader community: “I love you, I’m so sorry this happened today.” He thanked well-wishers for their support and urged Americans to “pray with our feet” by taking action to prevent future shootings
