A quiet morning at a Minneapolis Catholic school was shattered by gun violence on Tuesday, leaving a woman dead in what authorities are describing as a targeted domestic attack.
The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in the city's Elliot Park neighbourhood just before 9:30 am local time.
Upon arrival, they discovered a 40-year-old woman, since identified as Robin Westman, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite emergency medical efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect in Custody Following School Incident
Police swiftly took a 35-year-old male suspect into custody near the school premises. Authorities have emphasised that this was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted incident involving individuals known to each other.
"This appears to be a domestic-related shooting where the suspect and victim were known to one another," stated Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara during a press conference. "This was not a random incident targeting the school or its staff."
School Lockdown and Community Response
The school was immediately placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure following the shooting. Students and staff sheltered in place while law enforcement secured the area.
In a statement, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis expressed profound sorrow: "We are heartbroken by the tragic violence that occurred today. Our prayers are with the victim, her family, and all those affected by this terrible event."
The investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams work to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
This incident marks another tragic episode of gun violence in educational settings, raising continued concerns about safety protocols in schools across the United States.
