The FBI is investigating a deadly shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis as an anti-Catholic hate crime and act of domestic terrorism, authorities announced Thursday.
The attack left two children dead and 17 others injured when a gunman opened fire during Mass on Wednesday morning.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the nature of the investigation in a social media statement, saying, “The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”
The victims, ages 8 and 10, were among children gathered for worship at Annunciation Church when the attacker fired through the school’s windows. The shooter, identified by police as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned what he called “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping.”
“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara told reporters during a press conference.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, expressed his grief over the tragedy, saying he was “profoundly saddened” by the attack.
The investigation continues as community members gather for vigils and elected officials call for renewed efforts to combat hate-based violence.
