Tragedy Strikes Minnesota as Church Service Turns Fatal
In a horrifying turn of events, a church service in Minneapolis turned deadly when a young adult opened fire on the congregation, resulting in the tragic loss of two minors and leaving 17 others wounded. The incident occurred during a service meant to welcome the start of the new school year.
The individual responsible for the tragedy, a 23-year-old named Robin Westman, did not survive the incident, succumbing to a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the premises. Westman reportedly carried out the attack from outside the church, shooting through the building's windows.
Additional Weapons Found
Investigations following the incident led to the discovery of more firearms at three different homes within the Minneapolis vicinity, believed to be connected to Westman.
While the reason behind the attack remains a mystery, the incident is being treated as both a domestic terrorism act and a hate crime against the Catholic community.
Details About the Incident
The shooting took place just as the morning Mass was about to begin. This service was specifically arranged to celebrate the commencement of a new term at a Catholic school located adjacent to the church.
Westman, armed with a variety of firearms, positioned herself outside the church and proceeded to fire through its windows. When the shooting started, staff members reacted quickly, moving the students to safety under the church pews.
In a briefing following the incident, the school's principal praised the courage and quick thinking of the adults and older students who strove to protect the younger ones. He credited these heroic actions for preventing the situation from becoming even graver.
Unfortunately, two children, aged 8 and 10, lost their lives in the attack. Seventeen others suffered injuries, including three elderly church members and 14 children aged between 6 and 15. The local police chief conveyed hopeful news that all the injured are expected to make full recoveries.
A local children's hospital confirmed that three of the injured children were still receiving treatment, while four had been discharged.
Who Was Robin Westman?
Westman, who had no past criminal record, had legally acquired the firearms used in the shooting. Investigators found writings and videos believed to be linked to the attack among her possessions.
These videos featured firearms and ammunition magazines marked with handwritten notes referencing names of previous mass shooters and other details. Investigators also found a notebook containing drawings of a church sanctuary hall.
In 2020, Westman's mother had legally changed her child's name from Robert to Robin, stating in court documents that her child identified as female and desired a name that reflected this identity.
Further investigations revealed that Westman's mother had previously been associated with the church where the shooting took place.