Minneapolis Church Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead, FBI Investigates as Hate Crime
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- A mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others.
- The FBI is investigating the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism.
- The shooter, Robin Westman, 23, died by suicide at the scene; he legally purchased the firearms used in the attack.
- Witnesses described the chaos and terror as shots were fired during a morning Mass attended by children.
- The community is grappling with the aftermath as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
A tragic mass shooting at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning has left two children dead and 17 others injured, prompting an FBI investigation into what is being treated as an anti-Catholic hate crime. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during a morning Mass, targeting children seated in the pews. Westman, a former pupil of the adjacent school, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Incident Details
The attack occurred just before 8:30 a.m. as children gathered for a service marking the first week of school. Westman, armed with a rifle, fired through the church windows, killing two children aged eight and ten. Fourteen more children, aged six to fifteen, were injured, with two in critical condition but expected to survive. Three elderly parishioners also sustained injuries.
Community in Shock
Witnesses described the terrifying moments as shots rang out. Ten-year-old Weston Halsne recounted how his friend Victor shielded him from the bullets, sustaining injuries himself. "My friend got hit in the back, he went to the hospital... I was super scared for him but I think now he's okay," Weston told CBS affiliate WCCO. Locals initially mistook the gunfire for construction noise, with one resident, Mike Garrity, saying he thought it was a nail gun.
Investigation and Motive
The FBI is treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Westman had legally purchased the firearms used in the attack, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Authorities are still piecing together Westman's motive, with no clear explanation yet provided.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on understanding Westman's motivations and any potential connections to extremist ideologies. The incident has reignited debates on gun control and the security of religious institutions, particularly those with attached schools. Experts suggest that this tragic event could lead to increased security measures at places of worship and schools nationwide. The community's response and healing process will be crucial in the coming weeks as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating attack.
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Minneapolis Church Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead, FBI Investigates as Hate Crime
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- A mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others.
- The FBI is investigating the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism.
- The shooter, Robin Westman, 23, died by suicide at the scene; he legally purchased the firearms used in the attack.
- Witnesses described the chaos and terror as shots were fired during a morning Mass attended by children.
- The community is grappling with the aftermath as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
A tragic mass shooting at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning has left two children dead and 17 others injured, prompting an FBI investigation into what is being treated as an anti-Catholic hate crime. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during a morning Mass, targeting children seated in the pews. Westman, a former pupil of the adjacent school, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Incident Details
The attack occurred just before 8:30 a.m. as children gathered for a service marking the first week of school. Westman, armed with a rifle, fired through the church windows, killing two children aged eight and ten. Fourteen more children, aged six to fifteen, were injured, with two in critical condition but expected to survive. Three elderly parishioners also sustained injuries.
Community in Shock
Witnesses described the terrifying moments as shots rang out. Ten-year-old Weston Halsne recounted how his friend Victor shielded him from the bullets, sustaining injuries himself. "My friend got hit in the back, he went to the hospital... I was super scared for him but I think now he's okay," Weston told CBS affiliate WCCO. Locals initially mistook the gunfire for construction noise, with one resident, Mike Garrity, saying he thought it was a nail gun.
Investigation and Motive
The FBI is treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Westman had legally purchased the firearms used in the attack, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Authorities are still piecing together Westman's motive, with no clear explanation yet provided.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on understanding Westman's motivations and any potential connections to extremist ideologies. The incident has reignited debates on gun control and the security of religious institutions, particularly those with attached schools. Experts suggest that this tragic event could lead to increased security measures at places of worship and schools nationwide. The community's response and healing process will be crucial in the coming weeks as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating attack.
Images from the Web
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