Minneapolis Police Chief on Annunciation Catholic School Shooting and Manifesto

Shooting Incident Details

• 🎯 19 victims were identified in the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School: two young children (ages 8 and 10) killed, 14 children (ages 6-15) injured, and three adults (in their 80s) injured.
• 🔫 The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, legally purchased a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and took his own life at the scene.
• 🏠 Investigators are executing search warrants at three residential locations related to the shooter and have recovered additional firearms.

Shooter's Manifesto and Motive

• ✍️ A "manifesto" timed for release on YouTube, containing disturbing writings and appearing to show the shooter at the scene, has been taken down with FBI assistance and is under review.
• ❓ The motive for the attack is currently unknown, but investigators are working to develop it from the manifesto and other recovered writings.
• 👤 There is no indication that the shooter acted with any accomplices; investigators believe he acted alone.

School and Community Response

• 🏫 Annunciation School Principal Deoce highlighted the heroic actions of teachers and students in protecting each other during the incident.
• 🙏 Archbishop Bernard Hebda shared a message from Pope Leo XIV, offering condolences and spiritual closeness to those affected.
• 🗣️ Both the principal and archbishop urged the community to move beyond prayer and take action to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing a commitment to "never again."

Ongoing Investigation and Support

• 🤝 Law enforcement agencies at local, county, state, and federal levels are working together to uncover the full scope of the event and identify a motive.
• 🚑 All injured students are expected to survive, and their parents are with them.
• ⚠️ The investigation is in its preliminary stages, and authorities are committed to transparency while protecting the integrity of the investigation.
• ⛪ There is concern for the safety of other churches and schools, and police are available to provide security advice and assistance.
• 🔍 The FBI is investigating the incident as domestic terrorism, with Minneapolis Police leading the investigation and considering all possibilities based on evidence.