Federal officials confirmed Wednesday that the deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school is being investigated as an anti-Christian hate crime after evidence revealed the gunman’s open hostility toward Christianity.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others wounded when the attacker opened fire during Mass. FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspect, identified as Robin “Robert” Westman, left behind a manifesto and videos displaying deep hatred for Christians and explicit calls for violence.
Westman’s YouTube page, since deleted, contained footage of his weapons, including gun magazines inscribed with phrases such as “Kill Donald Trump,” “Where is your God?” “Mashallah,” and “Israel Must Fall.” In one disturbing display, Westman pinned a picture of Jesus Christ to a body target and fired at it.
Investigators also uncovered drawings in which Westman depicted himself speaking with a “demon” in the mirror urging him to commit suicide. His writings repeatedly mocked Christianity, taunted believers, and displayed anti-Catholic themes.
“The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” Patel said. “There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.”
The attack, one of the deadliest on Christians in recent years, underscores the growing danger of anti-Christian violence in America. Officials noted that the shooter’s actions and writings fit the profile of religiously motivated domestic terrorism.
The tragedy has rocked Minneapolis, leaving families grieving and a community reeling from the targeting of children in a sacred setting. Federal investigators continue to piece together Westman’s motivations but emphasize his clear animosity toward Catholic faith and symbols of Christianity.
