The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, has issued a statement to the victims and families of the Minnesota school shooting that tragically claimed the lives of multiple children.
On Wednesday (27 August), a suspected shooter opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Catholic church and hit some of the nearly 200 children celebrating Mass during the first week of school.
The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, killed two children aged eight and 10 years old and wounded 17 additional people in an act of violence the police chief called 'absolutely incomprehensible'.
Federal officials have referred to Westman as transgender, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decreeing against any hatred being directed at 'our transgender community' in the wake of the shooting.
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Westman’s gender identity was not clear. In 2020, a judge approved a petition, signed by Westman’s mother, asking for a name change from Robert to Robin, saying the petitioner 'identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification'.
However, Westman's notebook appeared to show a change in the years that followed, as they wrote: "I know I am not a woman, but I definitely don’t feel like a man."
Westman, who was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, approached the side of the church at the Annunciation Catholic School just before 8.30am local time before firing the shots.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at a news conference that Westman then died by suicide.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda talked about the inscription at the front of the Annunciation Church, which reads: "House of God and the gate of heaven."
"How is it that such a terrible tragedy could take place in a place that’s the house of God and the gate of heaven?" he asked. "It’s unthinkable."
FBI director Kash Patel has since said on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Melania Trump has now released a statement on the matter, likewise taking to X early this morning (28 August). It reads: "My heart is shattered for the families and friends of the victims of today’s senseless and depraved violent act."
She continued: "There is nothing that anyone can say to make your grief go away, but please know that you are not alone. My thoughts, love, and deepest sympathy are with you during this dreadful time."
Melania's statement came a day after her husband's own.
Taking to Truth Social shortly after the news of the shooting first broke, Trump said: "I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded, and they are on the scene.
"The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!"
Topics: US News, News, Crime, Melania Trump, Politics, Donald Trump
Rhiannon Ingle