Minneapolis school shooter who killed two children as they prayed identified - as FBI probes attack as 'hate crime against Catholics'
The attacker who opened fire in the church of a Minneapolis Catholic school, killing two children, has been identified.
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Robin Westman, who is also dead, stormed Annunciation Catholic Church at around 8:30am local time as children attended their first mass of the school year.
Westman, formerly known as Robert, fired through stained glass windows at the children sitting on the pews inside the church, officials said.
The 23-year-old then took their own life at the rear of the building, according to police chief Brian O'Hara.
Two children aged 8 and 10 have been killed, and at least 17 other people are injured, officials say.
Read more: Two children, aged 8 and 10, shot dead 'while praying' as gunman opens fire on US Catholic school
Westman's mother worked at the school where the slaughter was carried out, according to local reports.
The attacker's also understood to have changed their name to Robin in 2020 at the age of 17.
Police are investigating whether a string of twisted YouTube videos shared on an account hours before the shooting was linked to the suspect.
Meanwhile, the FBI has said it is investigating the shooting as an "act of domestic terrorism" and a "hate crime targeting Catholics".
The Pope is "profoundly saddened" by the shooting.
The Vatican said in a statement: "He sends his heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.
"While commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of almighty god, his holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones."
The suspect allegedly posted videos online with writings referencing suicide, "extremely violent thoughts and ideas," according to NBC.
Speaking in a press conference, the mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, described the shooting as "unspeakable."
"Children are dead, there are families that have a deceased child, you cannot put into words the gravity, the tragic or absolute pain of this situation," he said.
"These kids were literally praying, it was the first week of school.
"They were in a church, these are kids that should be learning with their friends."
Mr O'Hara called the incident an "unthinkable tragedy".
"He struck children and worshippers inside the building," he said.
The shooter was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol.
"This was a deliberate act of violence."
He confirmed the shooter and taken their own life and had "no serious history of criminal activity."
A Minnesota children's hospital has said it is treating six children injured in the shooting.
The hospital said in a statement: “Children’s Minnesota is aware of the recent tragic shooting in Minneapolis. Our teams are trained to respond in times of crisis, and are fully prepared to care for impacted children.
"Currently, five children are admitted to our hospital for care. We will not share more details to respect the privacy of our patients and families.
”Footage shows anxious parents gathered outside the church awaiting news about their children, who were inside the church when the shooting took place.