White House Live Updates: Minneapolis Church Shooting Sparks National Gun Control Debate

Authorities continue to probe the tragic Wednesday morning mass shooting at Minneapolis' Annunciation Catholic Church that left two young children dead and injured 18 other individuals. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, stormed the church during a morning Mass. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed Westman had a record of previous attendance at the church's school and reported that her mother was a former church employee. The attack, which targeted students in the pews and was marked by gunfire through the stained glass windows, resulted in Westman's death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators are working to unravel the motives behind this violent episode. There is evidence suggesting Westman's fascination with mass shootings and previous killers. Federal authorities noted Westman's writings containing violent rhetoric against multiple groups and individuals, including President Trump. The attacker alleged to harbor hatred for many factions but showed an obsession particularly with the idea of killing children. Analysts caution against extracting straightforward ideological motives from the attack.

Preliminary investigations highlighted Westman's extensive preparation for the assault, including a detailed public posting on YouTube on the morning of the shooting. The upload contained disturbing references and depictions of violence, including a handwritten four-page manifesto expressing deep-seated depression and suicidal thoughts. This docu