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FBI Probes Minneapolis Church Mass Shooting That Killed Two Children as Domestic Terrorism

The federal inquiry centers on possible anti-Catholic intent as agents review the suspect’s preattack videos and writings.

Overview

  • Police say 23-year-old Robin Westman fired dozens of rounds from outside through stained-glass windows during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, killing two children and wounding 17 people, before dying by suicide.
  • Officials report the wounded include 14 students ages roughly 6 to 18 and three elderly parishioners, and hospitalized victims are expected to recover.
  • Investigators recovered a rifle, shotgun and handgun that were legally and recently purchased, found some exits barricaded with wooden planks, and located a smoke device at the scene.
  • Authorities are reviewing online videos and a manifesto tied to a YouTube channel that appeared before the attack, including footage showing weapons marked with phrases such as “kill Donald Trump”; the materials have been removed.
  • Police say Westman acted alone and had no extensive criminal history, and records and local reporting indicate prior ties to the parish school, including past attendance and a mother who worked at the church.