Minneapolis Police Chief on Traumatic School Shooting Response

Community Trauma and Victim Updates

• 💔 The entire community has been traumatized by the deadly mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school.
• 😔 Two young children, ages eight and ten, were killed and pronounced deceased at the scene.
• 🏥 The remaining 17 victims, including children and elderly individuals, sustained a range of injuries, some life-threatening, but are expected to survive.

First Responders and Heroism

• 🚒 A parishioner described a police officer entering the church without tactical gear, immediately asking for the shooter's location and running towards the gunfire.
• 🛡️ This officer's swift action helped children huddled in fear to feel a sense of safety.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Many first responders, including the police chief, are parents themselves, adding a personal layer of emotional impact to the response.

Investigation and Potential Motive

• 🔍 Four search warrants have been executed, with evidence retrieval and processing ongoing, including assistance from the FBI.
• 📝 Investigators have found writings and videos that show a variety of hate and an idolization of previous active shooters.
• ⛪ The suspect is believed to have had a personal connection to the church, potentially having been a student or having a family member who worked there.

Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crime

• 🚨 The FBI is investigating the incident as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
• 🗣️ The chief affirmed that for the victims and their families, the event was absolutely terrorizing.
• ⚖️ The investigation remains open to all possibilities, with a commitment to examining all evidence to determine the actual motive.

Weapons and Lawful Purchase

• 🔫 Three firearms were recovered at the scene, all of which were lawfully purchased by the suspect, who held a valid Minnesota permit to purchase.
• 📍 While the specific purchase locations are unknown, the weapons were acquired legally.

Emotional Toll on Officers

• 😥 The scene was described as deeply, deeply traumatizing for all first responders, including sworn officers, civilian staff, and crime lab personnel.
• 🫂 The department is prioritizing the health and wellness of its members in the aftermath of this unthinkable act.