Minneapolis church mass shooting: Trump orders flag at half mast; FBI begins terror, hate crime probe

Following a mass shooting at a church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 27 that left two students dead and 17 others injured, US President Donald Trump has ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff across all federal buildings and installations until sunset on August 31.

The shooting, which took place during the morning mass at the Catholic church, is now being investigated as both an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting the Catholic community, according to theFBI director Kash Patel. .

“The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” said Patel on social media platform X. Patel also identified the shooter as Robin Westman, born as Robert Westman.

Updates on the shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.

There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.

The… https://t.co/ErFZpSieKS

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 27, 2025

In an official proclamation, the White House said: “As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota... I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff… until sunset, August 31, 2025.”

The directive applies not only to the White House and all public buildings across the United States but also to US embassies and military installations worldwide.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, and several of the injured remain in critical condition.