Washington: A tragic mass shooting in Minneapolis has shocked the United States after a gunman opened fire during a school prayer gathering inside a church on Wednesday.
According to police, the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, entered the church armed with multiple weapons and began shooting indiscriminately at children and others present. Two young children, aged 8 and 10, were killed instantly while sitting on church benches. Seventeen others, including 14 children and three elderly people, were injured in the attack.
The suspect later shot himself in the church parking lot. Authorities confirmed that the firearms used, including a rifle and a pistol, had been legally purchased. Westman, who was born male as Robert Westman and legally changed identity in 2023, had no prior criminal record.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the incident as a “deliberate act targeting innocent children and worshippers.” The FBI also confirmed that Westman acted alone.
Investigators recovered disturbing writings and inscriptions from the suspect’s belongings. A manifesto posted on YouTube, later taken down, contained hateful remarks against Israel and India. One of the weapons bore messages such as “Drop a nuclear bomb on India” and “Israel must fall,” alongside other extremist slogans. The writings also reflected a fascination with violence against children.
Officials stated that the motive remains under investigation, though preliminary findings suggest ideological extremism and psychological distress played a role. This incident marks the 58th school-related shooting in the US this year, reigniting concerns over gun violence and child safety.
