An unimaginable horror unfolded at a Minneapolis Catholic school, leaving two innocent children tragically dead and 17 injured. The community is reeling from this incomprehensible act of violence, now being investigated as domestic terrorism. What drives such hate to target a place of worship and its youngest members?

A horrific act of violence unfolded at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and seventeen others injured after a gunman opened fire during morning Mass. The unprovoked assault, which occurred during the first week of school, plunged the community into grief and sparked widespread condemnation, with authorities labeling the incident as “absolutely incomprehensible.”

The tragic event transpired just before 8:30 AM local time when 23-year-old Robin Westman approached the side of the church, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara detailed how dozens of rounds were fired through the windows, striking nearly 200 children and parishioners gathered inside. The gunman subsequently died by suicide at the scene.

The two young victims who lost their lives were identified as an eight-year-old and a ten-year-old. Among the wounded were fourteen other children, ranging from six to fifteen years old, and three octogenarian parishioners, all of whom are expected to survive their injuries. Police officers swiftly responded to reports, entering the church to provide immediate first aid and rescue children who were hiding.

In the wake of the devastating Minneapolis school shooting, hundreds gathered for a packed vigil at a nearby school gym, offering prayers, comfort, and tears. Dignitaries including Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar joined Catholic clergy and mourners, sharing in the collective anguish and reflecting on the profound loss within the Annunciation Catholic Church community.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an inquiry into the tragic incident, investigating it as both an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime specifically targeting Catholics. This focus emerged as investigators examined the gunman’s social media activity and discovered weapons inscribed with messages, including political statements and religious taunts.

Police Chief O’Hara confirmed that initial investigations have yet to establish any direct connection between the gunman and the church, nor a clear motive for the senseless bloodshed. However, authorities are scrutinizing social media posts by the alleged perpetrator and noted that a smoke bomb was found at the scene, alongside barricaded side doors, indicating premeditation.

Prior to the channel’s removal, videos posted on a YouTube channel purportedly belonging to the gunman displayed a cache of weapons and ammunition, some bearing disturbing phrases like “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?”. Another video showed a drawing of the church with two windows being stabbed with a long knife, further suggesting a targeted attack on the Catholic institution.

Amidst the profound sorrow, state and federal buildings, including the White House, lowered flags to half-staff as ordered by Governor Walz and President Donald Trump. From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV extended his heartfelt condolences, offering prayers for the families of those who perished and for the healing of the entire community affected by this unthinkable act of gun violence.