TRAGIC SHOOTING LEAVES TWO CHILDREN DEAD, 17 OTHERS INJURED AT MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOL

A tragic shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during morning Mass, leaving two children dead and 17 others injured. The attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman from suburban Minneapolis, was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and shot through the church windows before taking his own life.

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter approached the side of the church and fired dozens of rounds toward the children sitting in the pews. “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara said.

The two children who lost their lives were aged eight and 10. Among the 17 injured, 14 are children, with seven in critical condition. “We’re all expected to survive,” O’Hara assured.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. “The FBI will provide updates as more information becomes available,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.

President Donald Trump has proclaimed that US flags at the White House and all public buildings will be flown at half-staff until sunset as a mark of respect for the victims. “Please join me in praying for everyone involved,” Trump said.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda urged people to remain hopeful in this tragic time, saying, “It’s through prayer and prayer of the feet that people can make a difference. That has to be our source of hope.” He also shared a message from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed profound sadness over the loss of life.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he had been briefed on the situation and was praying for the kids and teachers affected by the horrific act of violence. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz wrote.