A shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis has resulted in the death of two young students, ages 8 and 10, along with seventeen others wounded.
The fatal gunfire was premeditated and carried out by 23-year-old Robert “Robin” Westman through the building’s windows on Wednesday morning during a Mass, marking the first week back to school.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
As the nation mourns the tragedy, Alabama’s elected officials are offering their condolences and prayers for those affected by the shooting at Annunciation Catholic PreK-8 School.
Governor Kay Ivey ordered that flags to be flown at half-staff until the week’s end.
“Our state and our nation are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life, and we stand united in offering our prayers for the victims, their families, and their community,” Ivey said on Wednesday.
“President Donald Trump has appropriately ordered that all flags be flown at half-staff throughout the nation in respect for the victims of this senseless act of violence.”
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said the victims and families touched by the violence are in her prayers.
The victims are also in the prayers of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), who is seeking a spot in the U.S. Senate, called the incident ‘horrific.’
President Donald Trump has issued a formal proclamation in response to the shooting in honor of the victims.
Prior to the attack, Westman, a transgender individual, posted documentation online of weapons and magazines in his possession with written messages on them such as ‘Kill Trump Now!’, ‘Burn Israel’, and ‘Where is your God?’. Westman eventually took his own life at the scene. His mother previously worked at Annunciation and is now retired.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
