FBI investigates Minneapolis school shooting as anti-Catholic hate crime | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Domestic terrorism
• Hate crime targeting Roman Catholics
• Mass shooting
• Assault weapons
• Gun control laws
• Self-inflicted gunshot wound
• Social media radicalization
• Mental health issues

Incident Overview:

The FBI is investigating a mass shooting at the Enunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Roman Catholics. The incident occurred during morning mass, resulting in the deaths of a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old child, and injuries to 17 others.

Details of the Attack:

• The shooting began as mass was getting underway, with children still entering the building.
• The attacker, Robin Westman, fired dozens of rounds from three different guns through the windows from outside.
• Children inside were sheltered under church pews to protect them from the gunfire.
• Two children were killed while sitting in their pews.
• 14 children aged between six and 15, along with three parishioners in their 80s, were wounded.

The Perpetrator:

• The attacker has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at the school.
• Westman legally changed their name from Robert in 2020.
• Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• Authorities have stated that Westman had no significant criminal history.

Evidence and Investigation:

• Detectives are reviewing a social media video timed to coincide with the shooting.
• The video shows Westman expressing depression, a desire to carry out an attack, and displaying guns and ammunition.
• The video also contains racist, anti-Semitic, and violent messages.
• Police have searched several residential properties linked to Westman.

Community and Political Response:

• Vigils were held to honor the dead and pray for the wounded.
• President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.
• Politicians have called for action to prevent future mass shootings.
• Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Betty McCollum blamed existing gun laws for the shooting.
• McCollum advocated for better federal gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons.
• McCollum stated that Congress needs to "stop praying to get a solution" and pass common-sense gun laws.
• McCollum argued that access to weapons like shotguns, rifles, and pistols should not be readily available to individuals who are not licensed hunters or in need of self-defense.

Eyewitness Account:

• Patrick Scallan, a resident living near the church, ran towards the gunfire and found three wounded children trying to flee.
• Scallan recounted a girl with a head wound asking, "Why does this happen? Why why did this happen today?"

Notable Quotes:

• Patrick Scallan: "Why does this happen? Why why did this happen today?"
• Betty McCollum: "These weapons used to hunt and target human beings um shouldn't be readily available the way that they are."
• Betty McCollum: "Congress needs to stop praying to get a solution. Congress has the solutions in front of them. We need to pass common sense gun laws."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The mass shooting at the Enunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis is being investigated as a domestic terrorism and hate crime incident. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two children and numerous injuries. The perpetrator, a former student, had a history of mental health issues and expressed violent ideologies on social media. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter gun control laws and a focus on addressing the root causes of violence in society. The community is mourning the loss of life and demanding action to prevent future tragedies.