In brief
In a devastating shooting at a Minneapolis church, the assailant, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire during a prayer service, killing two children and injuring several others. Reports indicate that Westman was obsessed with the idea of killing children. The victims, Fletcher Merkel (8) and Harper Moyski (10), were remembered by their families as vibrant, loving children. Investigative information highlights the shooter's troubling past and motivations tied to hate. Community members and officials are calling for action against gun violence, while families struggle with the loss.
Investigators say that the attacker who opened fire on pupils as they were praying at a church in Minneapolis was obsessed with the idea of killing children.
Robin Westman, who killed two children and injured 18 others, did not seem to have any specific motive, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.
The attacker appeared to hate all of us, the chief said on Thursday, adding: More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children.
The murdered children have been identified by family as Fletcher Merkel, eight, and Harper Moyski, ten.
Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us, his father, Jesse Merkel, told reporters.
Officials have released few details so far about the suspect's background, but say Westman previously attended the church's school and had a mother who worked there.
The shooter, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left behind a note, although officials caution that a definitive motive may never be fully understood.
Families and community leaders are appealing for stricter gun laws, expressing pain and disbelief over the tragedy that unfolded.
The FBI is treating the event as an act of domestic terrorism fueled by a hate-filled ideology.
As the community grieves, calls for action against gun violence intensify, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey advocating for a ban on assault weapons.
