Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Minneapolis Catholic School Mass Shooting

Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Minneapolis Catholic School Mass Shooting

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Tragedy struck in Minneapolis on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire on children and parishioners gathered for Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School, killing two pupils and injuring 17 others.

How the Attack Happened

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, arrived at the church heavily armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. At about 8:30 a.m., he fired dozens of rounds through the windows of the church while nearly 200 children sat in the pews.

Westman later died by suicide at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the children who lost their lives were aged 8 and 10. Fourteen other pupils and three elderly parishioners in their 80s sustained injuries but are expected to survive.

Grief and Vigil

In the evening, hundreds of mourners filled a nearby school gym for a vigil, where emotions ran high. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Catholic clergy joined families in prayers and solidarity.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, addressing the gathering, reflected on the bitter irony of the violence. “How is it that such a terrible tragedy could take place in a place that’s the house of God and the gate of heaven? It’s unthinkable,” he lamented.

Eyewitness Accounts

Children caught in the chaos recounted harrowing moments. Weston Halsne, a fifth-grader, told reporters how he ducked beneath a pew as a friend shielded him from the gunfire. His friend was struck but is expected to recover.

“I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s okay,” the 10-year-old said, adding that he was praying for the other injured children and adults.

National Outcry

Police have described the attack as “absolutely incomprehensible,” sparking renewed calls for stricter gun control measures in the U.S. The investigation into the shooter’s motives remains ongoing.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

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