The individual responsible for the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries, has been identified as Robin Westman.
The City of Minneapolis’ official account announced on Wednesday (August 27) that there was an ‘active police situation,’ but reassured the public that there was ‘no active threat to the community at this time.’
“The gunman is contained,” stated the authorities.
This distressing event happened during the students’ initial week back at school after their summer break, with officials confirming the loss of two children’s lives.
Seventeen others sustained injuries, including 14 children, two of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
The shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, with NBC affiliate KARE 11 revealing that she had been a student at the school for at least a year.
Westman was reportedly present in the last week as teachers prepared for the academic year, and her mother had worked at the school until retiring in 2021.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday that Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after firing from outside Annunciation Catholic Church.
O’Hara mentioned that Westman had no prior criminal record, and investigators are diligently searching for a motive.
FBI Director Kash Patel provided an update, confirming the deceased were an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, pronounced dead on the scene.
Patel tweeted: “The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
“The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman.
“The FBI will continue to provide updates on our ongoing investigation with the public as we are able.”
Donald Trump expressed on Truth Social that he had been ‘fully briefed’ about the incident, noting: “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 also shared his concerns on Twitter, stating: “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”