2025-08-29 12:00:25.028

A devastating school shooting in Minneapolis left two children dead, prompting an outpouring of grief and a thorough investigation into the motive of the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. Westman, who had previously attended the school and whose mother worked for the parish, opened fire through the stained-glass windows of a church adjacent to Annunciation Catholic School. The victims were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Westman's actions were premeditated, with authorities finding evidence of planning and writings expressing hatred towards numerous groups and a desire to watch children suffer. The father of Fletcher Merkel gave an emotional statement to the press, pleading for the community to remember his son's love for family and hobbies, not the tragic way his life ended. Authorities also revealed that Westman legally purchased the firearms used in the attack, and no red flags were raised prior to the event despite prior police visits to her home. Westman's mother has retained an attorney, and police are still attempting to make contact with her. The incident has sparked a renewed discussion about mental health and gun control in the United States.

2025-08-29 06:00:12.757

A shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis claimed the lives of two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired through the church windows, targeting children. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson described Westman's words as "horrific and vile," stating the shooter wanted to watch children suffer. Fletcher's father, Jesse Merkel, gave an emotional statement, expressing his family's devastation and loss. Harper's family also shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her as "bright, joyful, and deeply loved." Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that locked church doors likely saved countless lives. Mayor Jacob Frey called for a statewide and federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, asserting that "thoughts and prayers are not going to cut it." The incident deeply affected responding officers, who witnessed horrific scenes and provided aid to injured children. A nurse working in the hospital's ICU was present when her daughter, one of the injured children, arrived for treatment. Despite safety protocols, another nurse stayed with a distressed child during a CT scan, exposing herself to radiation. While initially described as a manifesto, a review of Westman's writings showed a jumbled stream of consciousness rather than a coherent plan.

2025-08-28 12:00:53.551

A shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 others injured. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, firing dozens of rounds at children during Mass. Westman subsequently died by suicide. The victims ranged in age from 6 to 15, with three octogenarian parishioners also wounded. Students and teachers displayed bravery, shielding one another during the attack. Police are investigating the motive, examining social media posts that may offer clues. One such post showed weapons with phrases like "kill Donald Trump" and "Where is your God?" written on them. Another video showed the shooter pointing to windows on a drawing of the church and stabbing it. Westman's mother had worked at the church, but it's unclear if Westman had any connection to the school or church. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. A vigil was held at a nearby school, attended by hundreds of people, including Governor Tim Walz and clergy members. The incident has prompted widespread grief and calls for action to prevent future tragedies. The White House announced that President Trump and Governor Walz spoke about the incident, and flags were lowered to half-staff.

2025-08-17 06:01:05.757

Two American tourists drowned hours apart at Carnival's private Bahamas resort, Celebration Key, on Friday, less than a month after the cruise line opened the $600 million Caribbean getaway destination. Carnival officials reported the "water emergency incidents" involved guests from two different ships at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island. Lifeguards and medical teams responded to both incidents; one in the lagoon and the other at the beach. The deceased were identified as a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman. The man, snorkeling near the beach, became unresponsive and died despite CPR. The woman was found unresponsive in a swimming pool. Autopsies will determine the exact cause of death. One passenger was on a six-day trip aboard the Mardi Gras, the other on a four-day trip on the Carnival Elation. Carnival expressed condolences and offered assistance to the families. Celebration Key, opened July 19th, features a large freshwater lagoon, infinity pool, and various attractions. The resort's opening was touted as an "extraordinary milestone" by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

2025-06-30 06:00:30.124

A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire and then ambushed firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, killing two and critically injuring a third. The suspect, whose name was not released, opened fire on first responders for several hours. A shelter-in-place order was lifted after a tactical team, using cell phone data, located the suspect’s body with a firearm nearby, as flames approached. Authorities believe the fire and shooting were intentional. Two firefighters died at the hospital, while the third is in stable condition after surgery. The sheriff stated that investigators believe the gunman acted alone.