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The suspect behind the Minneapolis school shooting was linked to the church prior to committing the horrific school shooting on Wednesday (August 28).
Robin Westman, 23, opened fire from outside Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, killing a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old child.
A further 17 people have been left injured from the shooting, including 14 children. Two people are said to be in a critical condition in hospital, according to local officials.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday that Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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According to local reports, Westman had reportedly been at the church, which is connected to the school, in the past week as teachers prepared for the end of summer vacation and the start of the new school year.
The shooter's mother was also an employee at the school prior to retiring in 2021, with a 2020 post by the church's outgoing pastor describing Mary Grace Westman role as a 'parish secretary'.
Meanwhile, ABC News reports that a 2016 church bulletin announced she had been hired as an administrative assistant within the business office.
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Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis, spoke to press following the shooting and pushed back at hatred towards the transgender community as speculation surrounds the shooter's gender identity.
"Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainise our trans community or any other community out there has lost their sense of common humanity," they said.
"We should be operating out of a place of love for our kids. Kids died today, this needs to be about them."
Prior to carrying out the awful attack, Westman penned a 'manifesto', which detailed the disturbing details of what Westman planned to wear for the shooting.
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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."
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Speaking of the clothing, Westman added: "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 … I really like my outfit.
"I look pretty, smart and modest. I think I want to wear something like this for my shooting."
According to police, Westman had no prior criminal record.
Callum Jones