Melania Trump Responds to Fatal Minneapolis School Shooting

A shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, with 17 others injured. Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Minneapolis Police Department Chief Brian O’Hara, Westman shared a manifesto on YouTube that was set to be published at the time of the shooting. The video reportedly showed him at the scene and contained “disturbing writings.” The FBI has since removed the content, and it is under review by investigators.

First Lady Melania Trump commented on the incident, stating the need for “preemptive intervention in identifying potential school shooters” by looking for “early warning signs” and “violent threats online.” She said, “To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial we look into behavioral threat assessments across all levels of society—beginning in our homes, extending through school districts and of course, social media platforms.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting and later ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on Sunday, August 31, in honor of the victims.

Experts note that while mass shooters often share common psychological and behavioral traits, such as depression, social isolation, and a fascination with violent entertainment, these traits are also common in the general population, making it difficult to identify potential shooters beforehand.

The attack took place during a mass at the school and has fueled national debates on gun policy, religiously motivated violence, and school safety. The White House has been working to roll back gun regulations, and the Department of Justice recently proposed a new rule that could grant gun rights to thousands of Americans currently barred from owning firearms.