The individual responsible for the tragic Minneapolis school shooting was previously associated with a local church before executing the devastating attack on Wednesday, August 28.
Robin Westman, aged 23, opened fire from outside the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old.
Additionally, the shooting left 17 people injured, including 14 children. Local authorities reported that two of the injured are in critical condition at the hospital.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced during a press conference on Wednesday that Westman died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Reports from the area suggest that Westman had been present at the church, which shares a connection with the school, during the previous week as teachers were preparing for the end of summer break and the beginning of the new academic year.
Westman’s mother had previously worked at the school before retiring in 2021. A 2020 post from the church’s former pastor described Mary Grace Westman as a ‘parish secretary’.
Furthermore, ABC News highlighted a 2016 church bulletin that announced her hiring as an administrative assistant in the business office.
In response to the shooting, Jacob Frey, the Mayor of Minneapolis, addressed the media, emphasizing compassion in the face of speculation about the shooter’s gender identity.
“Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainise our trans community or any other community out there has lost their sense of common humanity,” he stated.
He continued, “We should be operating out of a place of love for our kids. Kids died today, this needs to be about them.”
Before the attack, Westman had written a ‘manifesto’ that outlined disturbing details, including an outfit planned for the shooting.
The document, which was discussed in a now-removed YouTube video, started with an apology.
“I don’t expect forgiveness, and I don’t expect any apology,” Westman wrote. “I have to hold much weight. But to my family and those close to me, I do apologise for the effects my actions will have on your lives.”
Westman expressed regret, saying, “Please know I care for all of you so much, and it pains me to bring this storm of chaos into your lives. This will affect so many more people than the ones that are immediately involved.”
Regarding clothing, Westman added, “I don’t want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man … I really like my outfit.”
“I look pretty, smart and modest. I think I want to wear something like this for my shooting.”
Law enforcement reported that Westman had no previous criminal history.