MINNEAPOLIS – In a horrific act of violence that has shaken the nation, a gunman opened fire inside a Catholic school chapel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, killing two children and injuring 17 others. The assailant, identified as Robin Westman, 23, reportedly had messages expressing hatred for President Donald Trump scrawled on his weapons, deepening the mystery and motive behind the attack.

The tragedy unfolded on the first week of the new school year, as students were attending mass to mark the occasion. Westman initiated the assault by firing through a chapel window before entering the building and continuing the rampage. An eight-year-old and a ten-year-old child were killed in the attack. The 17 wounded victims included 14 children between the ages of six and fourteen, as well as three adults in their 80s. Miraculously, all the injured are expected to survive. Westman took his own life at the scene.

According to a post by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on X (formerly Twitter), the shooter had "scrawled phrases like 'For the children,' 'Where is your god,' and 'Kill Donald Trump'" on the magazines of his rifle.

Federal authorities have swiftly labeled the incident a domestic terror attack and a hate crime. FBI Director Cathy Patel confirmed on X that the investigation would focus on the attack as an act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics. It was also revealed that Westman identified as a transgender man.

Further details emerged from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who stated that similar phrases were found in a "manifesto" Westman had uploaded to YouTube. The video, which appeared on social media just before the attack, was later removed but is being reviewed by investigators to uncover the motive. O'Hara also noted that Westman had no prior criminal record and appeared to have acted alone. All of the firearms used in the assault—a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun—were legally purchased recently, a detail that is reigniting the ongoing national debate over gun control.

The senseless loss of life has sparked a wave of grief and outrage across the community, leaving many to wonder what could drive such a heinous act and what role, if any, political animosity played in the deadly events.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]