MINNEAPOLIS, Aug 28: Two children aged eight and ten were killed and 17 others injured when a gunman opened fire at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, the BBC reported. Police told the BBC that the attack took place during morning Mass at the Annunciation Church, which also houses a school. According to the BBC, 14 of the injured were children, all of whom are expected to survive.
The BBC stated that the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities told the BBC he had no significant criminal history. The BBC quoted Police Chief Brian O’Hara as saying the assault was a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children and worshippers,” calling it an act of “sheer cruelty and cowardice.”
According to the BBC, investigators are treating the case as domestic terrorism and a possible hate crime against Catholics. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed to the BBC that his agency is leading the inquiry into motive. The BBC said the first emergency calls came shortly before 08:00 local time on Wednesday.
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The BBC reported that Westman used three firearms—a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol—and fired dozens of rounds through the church windows. A smoke bomb was also recovered at the scene, according to the BBC. Officials told the BBC they are still examining whether shots were fired inside, noting no bullet casings were found inside the building.
Local residents described the chaos to reporters. The BBC quoted one man, P.J. Mudd, who said he heard “boom, boom, boom” before realizing it was gunfire. The BBC said he later found discarded magazines outside the church.
The BBC also reported on the accounts of students. A 10-year-old survivor told WCCO, cited by the BBC, that his friend shielded him from bullets but was struck and hospitalized.
The BBC noted that the school serves children aged 5 to 14 and is located in a residential neighborhood. According to the BBC, Westman’s mother previously worked there, retiring in 2021. A note the suspect had scheduled online was removed with FBI assistance, the BBC added.
The BBC quoted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as saying President Trump had offered condolences and that flags would be flown at half-mast in honor of the victims.
