A man in black approached Annunciation Catholic Church the morning of August 27 – then fired rounds through the windows, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced in a press conference. The shooter killed two students, ages 8 and 10, and injured 17 other children.
"Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children," O’Hara said. "We will stand together to protect our children, our schools, and our houses of worship."
Annunciation Catholic School hosts students from kindergarten to 8th grade, who returned for the school year last 25 August.
They were holding a back-to-school mass when the shooter, a man in his early 20s, approached around 8:30 A.M., according to O’Hara. According to unconfirmed reports, the alleged shooter has been identified as Robin Westman.
Westman allegedly posted a manifesto on social media prior to the shooting, including a video showing the words "kill Donald Trump" written on a gun.
The Dallas Express obtained court documents, suggesting Westman – originally named Robert – was "transgender," and identified as female. His name was legally changed in January 2020, while he was still a minor.
"Minor child identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification," reads the order granting the name change.
"During the mass, a gunman approached on the outside of the side of the building, and began firing a rifle through the church windows, toward the children sitting in the pews," the police chief added. "He struck children and worshipers that were inside."
President Donald Trump said he was "fully briefed" on the situation.
"The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation," the President posted. "Please join me in praying for everyone involved."