Melania Trump has called for 'pre-emptive intervention' to tackle the early warning signs of potential school shooters after two children were killed at a school in Minneapolis.
In a post on X, the First Lady condemned the 'tragic' mass killing and touted the need for 'behavioral threat assessments' to identify what she called 'warning signs' of would-be killers.
It comes after a shooter opened fire at the Annunciation Catholic School at about 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday as pupils attended mass. Two children, aged eight and 10, were shot dead in the pews while 17 others, including 14 children and three parishioners in their 80s, were injured, police said.
The suspect fired dozens of rounds through the stained glass window of the church before taking their own life as law enforcement arrived, according to police. Authorities are still trying to determine a motive for the attack.
'The tragic mass killing in Minnesota illuminates the need for pre-emptive intervention in identifying potential school shooters,' Melania wrote. 'Early warning signs are often evident, with many individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors and making violent threats online prior to their actions.'
She later added her 'heart was shattered' for the families and friends of the two children killed in what she labelled a 'senseless and depraved violent act'. Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara said detectives were looking at a video 'manifesto' posted to YouTube to try and develop a motive.
