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The gunman who opened fire on a Catholic school mass killing two children has been named locally. Robin Westman has been identified as the man behind the horror shooting in Minneapolis, US, on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, formerly known as Robert, turned the gun on himself after shooting through stained glass windows at the children inside Annunciation Catholic School's church. The shooting took place at around 8.30am local time and two children, aged eight and 10, were tragically killed.

At least 17 other victims, including 14 children and three adults, were injured. Local police officers are now looking into Westman's motive as he had a limited criminal history.

As reported by KARE 11, the 23-year-old's mother was an employee at the school in Minneapolis. He reportedly changed his name when he was 17, in 2020.

Westman reportedly shared a manifesto in a 20-minute YouTube video just hours before the shooting. It has since been deleted and police are using it as part of their investigation.

The video showed a drawing of a church with a man saying quietly: "I'm going to kill myself". The man also stabbed the drawing repeatedly.

However, it is unclear whether the church was the one at Annunciation Catholic School. Other videos posted on the account referred to suicide and violent thoughts.

Local police believe Westman parked near the school and was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol. He fired all three weapons during the attack but it is unclear whether he stayed outside the church during the attack or went inside.

The school children were attending mass at the time of the shooting. Police said at least two of the church doors were blocked which suggested Westman wanted to trap them inside.

Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara has described the shooting as an "incomprehensible" act of cowardice. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said: "Please join me in praying for everyone involved!"

For all of the latest updates on the shooting, follow our live blog here.