Minneapolis, Minnesota — Federal investigators are treating Wednesday’s deadly shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis as a possible anti-Catholic hate crime. The attack left two children dead and 17 others injured during a morning Mass.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that the shooting is being investigated as both domestic terrorism and a hate crime. Police identified the attacker as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

What happened

The shooting began shortly before 8 a.m. when Westman opened fire through the windows of the church. The building also houses a Catholic school for children aged 5 to 14. Police confirmed the suspect used multiple weapons, including a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. A smoke bomb was also found at the scene.

Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed. Witnesses reported hearing dozens of shots. A 10-year-old survivor told local media that his friend shielded him from bullets by lying on top of him, suffering injuries in the process.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “deliberate violence against children and worshippers,” calling it “cowardly and incomprehensible.”

Key details known so far

• Victims: Two children killed, 17 people injured.

• Location: Annunciation Church and School in south Minneapolis.

• Suspect: Robin Westman, 23, who died of a self-inflicted wound.

• Weapons used: Rifle, shotgun, pistol, and a smoke bomb.

• Investigation: FBI treating the case as a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, expressed his sorrow, saying he was “profoundly saddened” by the killing of young parishioners.

Westman’s personal history has drawn attention as investigators search for a motive. Records show the suspect legally changed names in 2020, and police later found an unpublished online note linked to the attack.

Reaction from leaders

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting, vowing that “Minnesotans will not step away” from their communities. He confirmed that President Donald Trump offered condolences and ordered U.S. flags at half-mast.

Mayor Jacob Frey urged residents not to direct hate toward the transgender community after the suspect’s identity became public, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to Westman as “a man claiming to be transgender.”

Authorities have not confirmed a motive beyond the possibility of anti-Catholic bias. The Minneapolis Police Department is leading the investigation with federal support.