Minneapolis Police Chief on Catholic School Shooting: Motive, Weapons, and Response

Response to the Shooting

• 🚨 The Minneapolis Police Department and law enforcement partners are standing with the community following a senseless act of violence.
• ⏱️ Within minutes of the initial 911 calls, a Minneapolis police officer entered the church without hesitation, guided by a parishioner.
• 🙏 The actions of first responders, school staff, and parishioners exemplified the motto "To protect with courage and to serve with compassion."

Victim and Evidence Details

• 💔 A total of 20 victims sustained injuries, including eight and 10-year-old children who were killed.
• 🧒 15 injured are children aged six to 15, and three injured are adults in their 80s.
• 🔫 Evidence recovered includes three shotgun shells, approximately 116 rifle rounds, and a malfunctioning handgun.
• 🏠 Four search warrants were executed at the church and residences associated with the shooter, yielding hundreds of pieces of evidence, including electronic devices.

Investigation and Motive

• 🔍 While law enforcement aims to identify a specific motive, the act is described as an unthinkable tragedy that cannot be fully explained.
• 🧠 The shooter exhibited a "deranged fascination" with previous mass shootings and disturbing writings demonstrating hatred.
• 📢 It is believed the shooter's ultimate goal was to obtain notoriety.

Community Support and Future Measures

• 🛡️ Increased police presence is being implemented in and around schools and houses of worship.
• 🤝 Law enforcement partners are supplementing patrols, highlighting a collective effort and community partnership.
• ❤️ Gratitude is extended to doctors, nurses, paramedics, first responders, victims, and families, as well as the outpouring of support from across the country.
• 🌟 The community faces a long road to healing, requiring continued support beyond the media spotlight.