Minneapolis Church Shooting: Gunman Used Three Firearms, FBI Investigating as Domestic Terrorism

Minneapolis Church Shooting Details

• 🎯 A gunman attacked a mass at a Catholic church attached to a school in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children (aged 8 and 10) and injuries to 17 others.
• 🔫 The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, used three firearms: a semi-automatic rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun, firing dozens of rounds.
• ⚠️ Three of the injured children are in critical condition and undergoing surgery.

Shooter's Background and Motives

• 👤 Robin Westman legally changed their name from Robert at age 17, identifying as female.
• 📝 Authorities are reviewing a manifesto or suicide note posted online by the shooter, which contained disturbing content and apologized to parents.
• 🧠 The shooter idealized other school shooters, specifically mentioning Adam Lanza (Sandy Hook gunman) as an inspiration.
• 🗺️ A diagram of the church's interior was found, suggesting the attack was premeditated and planned.
• 🏫 Westman was a former student of the school and their mother was a parish secretary, indicating a connection to the church and school community.

Investigation and Community Reaction

• 🚨 The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
• ⚖️ Police state that the guns used were purchased lawfully.
• 💔 The community is in shock, with profound grief and disbelief over the scale of the violence, which is the largest of its kind in the Twin Cities.
• 🙏 Officials emphasize that this tragedy goes beyond thoughts and prayers, highlighting the need for peace and safety in schools and places of worship.