Minneapolis mass shooting: 100+ rounds fired by suspect who ‘hated everyone’

“The shooter expressed hate towards Black people, Mexican people, Christian people, Jewish people… In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us,” Thompson said. He added that the only group Westman seemed to admire were “school shooters and mass murderers that are notorious in this country.”

Weapons recovered

At the scene, police recovered one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun, all of which were fired during the attack. All three weapons were legally purchased in Minnesota. Authorities recovered three shotgun shells, 116 rifle rounds, and one live handgun round that became stuck in the chamber due to a malfunction.

Suspect’s background

Westman had personal ties to the school, having attended it as a child, and his mother had previously worked in the parish. Authorities continue to investigate why he targeted the children.

Investigators probe suspect’s mindset

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described Westman as deeply disturbed and driven by notoriety.

“This person committed this act with the intention of causing as much terror, as much trauma, as much carnage as possible for their own personal notoriety,” O’Hara told ABC News Live.

Children targeted in calculated attack

The shooter opened fire through narrow windows of the church building, killing an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and injuring 15 children and three adults. All injured victims are expected to survive.

“These children were slaughtered by a shooter who could not see them,” O’Hara said. “He was standing outside of the building firing through very narrow church windows.” Westman never entered the church, though police say he could have after shooting out a door-sized window.

Disturbing writings

Authorities are reviewing YouTube videos believed to be linked to Westman. The videos, posted hours before the attack and later removed, show someone flipping through notebooks filled with violent imagery and references to previous mass shootings.