Suspect behind Minneapolis school shooting that's killed two children and left 'up to 17 people injured' revealed
The suspect behind the Minneapolis school shooting that's killed two people and injured many more has been identified as Robin Westman.
The official City of Minneapolis account confirmed on Wednesday (August 27) there was an 'active police situation', though added there was 'no active threat to the community at this time'.
"The gunman is contained," they added in a statement.
The incident took place in students' first week back at the school following summer vacation, with officials confirming two children had been killed.
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A further 17 were injured, as local authorities said 14 were children, several of which are said to be in a critical condition.
The gunman has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, with NBC affiliate KARE 11 reporting they were a student at the school for at least a year.
Westman had also reportedly been there in the last week while teachers prepared for the new school year, while Westman's mother was an employee at the school prior to retiring in 2021.
While legal filings from 2020, when Westman was 17, to change their name say Westman identifies 'as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification', the New York Post reports they wrote in a social media post shared at the time of the shooting: "I don’t want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire from outside Annunciation Catholic Church.
O'Hara went on to say Westman did not have a criminal history and that officials were working hard to try and find a possible motive.
FBI Director Kash Patel provided an update on the situation, confirming the two dead were an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
Patel wrote on Twitter: "The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
"There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
"The FBI will continue to provide updates on our ongoing investigation with the public as we are able."
Donald Trump took to Truth Social to confirm he had been 'fully briefed' on the shooting, adding: "The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene."
The president said that the White House would 'continue to monitor this terrible situation', before adding: "Please join me in praying for everyone involved."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had also been briefed on the situation, as he penned on Twitter: "I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence."
Callum Jones