Robin Westman, the individual implicated in the Minneapolis school shooting, detailed an unsettling plan before executing the tragic event in a chilling manifesto.
The 23-year-old fired shots from outside Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 27. Authorities confirmed that two children, aged eight and ten, were fatally shot at the scene.
Seventeen additional individuals sustained injuries, including fourteen children.
Westman had previously attended the school, and his mother was employed there until her retirement in 2021.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed in a press briefing on Wednesday that Westman died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Before the attack, Westman created a ‘manifesto’ and shared its alarming content in a YouTube video that has since been removed.
According to the New York Post, Westman described what they intended to wear on the day of the shooting.
“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,” they wrote.
“I look pretty, smart and modest. I think I want to wear something like this for my shooting,” Westman added. “I hate my face. I hate when I can see it. I don’t want to be seen.”
The letter also included an unsettling message to Westman’s family and friends, starting with an expression of remorse.
“I don’t expect forgiveness, and I don’t expect any apology,” they 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.
“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.”
Donald Trump addressed the situation on Truth Social, stating he had been ‘fully briefed’ about the Minneapolis shooting, and noted, “The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene.”
The president assured that the White House would ‘continue to monitor this terrible situation’, and urged, “Please join me in praying for everyone involved.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was also updated on the incident. He wrote on Twitter: “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”