Minneapolis shooting probed as 'act of terrorism', anti-Catholic hate crime: FBI

A shooter opened fire Wednesday morning at a Minneapolis Catholic school, killing two children and injuring 17 others before taking his own life. The FBI said it is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism and an anti-Catholic hate crime.

The incident took place during a gathering at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

DIRECTOR KASH PATEL SHARES UPDATE

In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel said, "The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old."

"In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured. The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman. The FBI will continue to provide updates on our ongoing investigation with the public as we are able," he added.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, attacked during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School. Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, Westman opened fire through the side windows of the church, striking children seated in the pews.

Westman later took his own life inside the church, authorities confirmed.

MANIFESTO POSTED ONLINE BEFORE ATTACK

O’Hara revealed that investigators are reviewing a manifesto Westman had prepared in advance of the shooting. The document was uploaded to YouTube and timed for release during the attack, but it has since been taken down.

The police chief said Westman had no prior criminal history and obtained all three firearms used in the attack legally. "Law enforcement believes he acted alone," O’Hara told reporters.

POPE LEO XIV CALLS SHOOTING A 'TERRIBLE TRAGEDY'

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, expressed deep sorrow over the violence. He described the shooting as a "terrible tragedy" and said he was praying for the victims’ families.

"I was profoundly saddened to learn about the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School church," Leo said. "I send my condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child."

While the White House said in a statement that President Donald Trump signed a proclamation ordering flags on federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Sunday.

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With inputs from agencies