BURSTOfficials have identified Robin Westman as the suspect behind Wednesday’s shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school, according to multiple reports.
The Associated Press reported that Westman, 23, was identified as the person behind the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, according to a law enforcement official. Police have said the shooter barricaded the church door during the shooting, which also left 17 people injured, and later killed himself.
Officials have also said that the suspect was dressed in black and had a rifle, pistol and shotgun on him.
“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said during a press conference. “It was the first week of school. They were in a church.”
The children killed in the shooting were 8 and 10 years old, with four children previously said to be in critical condition, according to the chief of emergency medicine at one of three hospitals treating victims.
“Minnesota is heartbroken. From the officers responding, to the clergy and teachers providing comfort, to the hospital staff saving lives, we will get through this together. Hug your kids close,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) said in a post on the social platform X on Wednesday.