The Pope has sent a message conveying his condolences to those impacted by a mass shooting in a Minneapolis school.
Two children were killed, and 17 others were left injured after the gunman opened fire on pupils attending mass at Annunciation Catholic school.
In a message to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis, Pope Leo XIV sent his "heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child".
FBI Director Kash Patel has since announced that the shooting is being investigated as domestic terrorism and a "hate crime targeting Catholics".
The Pope has sent a message conveying his condolences to those impacted by a mass shooting in a Minneapolis school
|REUTERS
Two children were killed, and 17 others were left injured after the gunman opened fire on pupils attending mass at Annunciation Catholic school
|REUTERS
Writing on social media, Mr Patel also confirmed: "There were two fatalities, an eight-year-old and a ten-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
"The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman."
It has been revealed that the shooter's mother, Mary Grace Westman, had worked as a parish secretary at the Annunciation School for five years before she retired in 2021.
Westman had attended the school, and had visited it within the last week.
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Robin Westman has been identified as the shooter | XThe school's headteacher Matthew DeBoer said: "We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care."
In an emotional speech to families and staff, he added: "I love you. You're so brave, and I'm so sorry this happened to us today."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags across the state to fly at half-mast "in honour of the lives lost to gun violence at Annunciation Catholic School".
At a press conference, the Governor added that Donald Trump "was with his leadership team of the Attorney General and the Vice President expressing their deep condolences amongst the horror that happened in an offer to provide the support to the folks here in Minnesota of what's needed".
Flags are flying at half-mast today outside the White House and across state buildings in Minnesota
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Mr Walz said: "Minnesota is heartbroken by the senseless shooting that took place this morning.
"I'm praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.
"To the first responders, the clergy and teachers providing comfort, and the hospital staff saving lives - thank you.
"We will get through this together."
The Director of the FBI has announced the shooting is being investigated as domestic terrorism and a 'hate crime targeting Catholics'
|REUTERS
In a heartbreaking scene, 10-year-old Weston Halsne told reporters his account of the attack.
He said: "I was two seats away from the stained glass windows... so the shots were right next to me.
"I think I got gunpowder on my neck.
"My friend Victor saved me though because he laid on top of me, but he got hit.
"He was really brave, and I hope he's good in the hospital."
According to his grandfather, Halsne was also nicked by a bullet but remained largely unscathed.