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Minneapolis Church Mass Shooting Kills 2 Children as FBI Opens Domestic Terrorism Probe

Investigators are examining possible domestic terrorism, with removed online videos and writings linked to the 23-year-old suspect under review.

Overview

  • Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died by suicide at the rear of Annunciation Church and was believed to have acted alone.
  • The attacker fired dozens of rounds from outside through church windows during an all-school Mass, and officers entered to render aid and rescue children hiding inside.
  • Two children aged 8 and 10 were killed, while 17 people were wounded — 14 students ages 6 to 18 and three parishioners in their 80s — and officials said the injured are expected to recover.
  • Investigators recovered a rifle, shotgun and pistol that police say were legally and recently purchased, and additional weapons were found at locations linked to the suspect.
  • Authorities are reviewing YouTube videos and a manifesto that were taken down with FBI assistance; a motive has not been established as the community held vigils and flags were ordered to half-staff.