Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Attorney General Kris Mayes released statements Wednesday following a shooting at a Minneapolis church that killed two children and wounded 17 others during a school Mass.
The shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School when a gunman fired through church windows as approximately 200 children attended morning Mass during their first week of classes.
Officials have spoken out against the education system's handling of gun safety policies, expressing disbelief over continued school shootings.
Official Statements
Senator Mark Kelly addressed congressional inaction in his response to the shooting.
"The school year has only just begun, and already another community has been torn apart by gun violence," Kelly stated. "I'm keeping the victims and their families in my thoughts right now, but I know that's not enough. I'm sick and tired of seeing shooting after shooting while Congress refuses to act."
Attorney General Kris Mayes referenced the effect mothers and family members have on child deaths in her statement.
"I am heartbroken over the tragedy today in Minneapolis," Mayes said. "As a mom, AZ's chief law enforcement officer, and a staunch defender of the Constitution, I refuse to accept that there's no better answer."
The Tragedy
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara reported that 23-year-old Robin Westman approached the church around 8:30 a.m. with multiple firearms, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Westman fired numerous rounds through the church windows before dying by suicide, as reported by AP News.
The two children who died were ages 8 and 10. Fourteen other children and three elderly parishioners sustained injuries but are expected to survive, according to police officials.
As for the armed suspect, court records show that in 2020, a minor named Robert Westman legally changed their name to Robin Westman. Reports from ABC News includes the court filing saying the child "identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification."
Police believe Westman acted alone and had no major criminal history but are investigating the suspects writings and YouTube videos that were left behind.
Westman's social media accounts contained disturbing content, including diary-style videos describing plans to harm children and a drawing of the church where the attack happened.
"Gun violence should not be the leading cause of death for children in America." Mayes expressed.
