US federal authorities are investigating a school shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 17 others wounded as an anti-Catholic hate crime.
The victims, aged eight and ten, were killed when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through the stained-glass windows of the church during a back-to-school Mass.
Federal officials have identified Westman as transgender and reported that suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the shooter was a 23-year-old man claiming to be transgender. She added that the attacker targeted children during their first morning Mass of the school year and had written disturbing phrases such as “For the Children,” “Where is your God?” and “Kill Donald Trump” on a rifle magazine. Calling the act “unthinkable,” Noem added,
“Our deepest prayers are with the children, parents, families, educators, and Christians everywhere. We mourn with them, we pray for healing, and we will never forget them.”
The FBI confirmed that the attack at Annunciation Church and Catholic School is being treated as an act of domestic terrorism.
“The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
Investigative Journalist Laura Loomer claimed that the Minnesota shooter had “Mashallah”, “Nuke India” and “Israel Must Fall” written on his gun, suggesting the attacker was influenced by “anti-Indian and anti-Jewish Islamic propaganda.”
Police said Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, and fired dozens of rounds into the packed congregation of children and teachers. A smoke bomb was also recovered at the scene.
“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters.
“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
Authorities are examining online videos and handwritten journals linked to Westman, which allegedly include disturbing references to previous mass shootings, antisemitic messages, and drawings of the church’s interior. Investigators are working to establish a clear motive.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said President Donald Trump had conveyed condolences and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. “This kind of evil should never happen,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, urging the community to resist hatred.
It is reported that a steady stream of mourners gathered outside the church in the evening, laying flowers and holding candles in memory of the victims.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, said he was “profoundly saddened” by the attack.
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