Topics: Crime, Gun Crime, US News, Mental Health
Warning: this article features references to suicide which some readers may find distressing
The suspect in the Minneapolis school shooting that's killed two children had a chilling final plea to their family.
23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire from outside Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday (August 27), in what was students' first week back at the school following summer vacation.
Officials have confirmed an eight-year-old and a ten-year-died were pronounced dead on the scene, while a further 17, including 14 children, were left injured.
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Westman had also reportedly been there in the last week while teachers prepared for the new school year. The shooter's mother was also an employee at the school prior to retiring in 2021.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday that Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Westman made a final plea to their family and friends in a suicide note prior to attacking the Catholic Church.
The letter, which was detailed in a now-deleted YouTube video, began with an apology.
"I don't expect forgiveness, and I don't expect any apology," they wrote. "I have to hold much weight. But to my family and those close to me, I do apologise for the effects my actions will have on your lives.
"Please know I care for all of you so much, and it pains me to bring this storm of chaos into your lives. This will affect so many more people than the ones that are immediately involved."
Westman then touched on their mental health struggles, as they continued: "Please do not think you have failed as parents. I was corrupted by this world and have learned to hate what life is. Life is love, life is pain.
"I am tired of the pain this world gives out. Please move on and continue to give your love to brothers and sisters, and the rest of the world. They may not forgive you, but you need to move on from me. Forget my life and the pain I have brought."
Westman concluded the note with a final plea to their family, saying they must 'pray for the victims and their families'.
The note seemed to suggest Westman lost hope after believing they were dying of lung cancer after vaping.
"I don't want the rest of my life to be as a cancer patient, in and out of hospitals, constantly being fretted about with people afraid to be too happy around me," the shooter added.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
