Investigators say that the attacker who opened fire on pupils as they were praying at a church in Minneapolis was obsessed with the idea of killing children.
Robin Westman, who killed two children and injured 18 others, did not seem to have any specific motive, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.
The attacker appeared to hate all of us, the chief said on Thursday, adding: More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children.
The murdered children have been identified by family as Fletcher Merkel, eight, and Harper Moyski, 10.
Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us, his father, Jesse Merkel, told reporters. We will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming, he said.
The parents of Harper Moyski, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, described their daughter as a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her. They emphasized the pressing need for action to curb gun violence.
The 23-year-old suspect opened fire using three firearms, which were all legally purchased. Witnesses reported horrifying scenes, with children pleading for help. The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and left a note containing horrific ideas and hate.
Officials continue to investigate Westman's background, noting that she previously attended the church's school and had family ties to it. U.S. officials described the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology, calling for an end to such acts.
