Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday by calling for gun control and speaking about transgender rights, hours after authorities confirmed that the gunman identified as a transgender woman. The attack left two children dead and at least 17 others injured.

“I have heard about a whole lot of hate that’s being directed at our trans community,” Frey said at an afternoon press conference.

“Anybody who is using this … as an opportunity to villainize our trans community, or any other community out there, has lost their sense of common humanity. We should not be operating out of a place of hate for anyone.”

Frey urged the public to focus on the victims rather than the shooter’s identity, while also calling for legislative action on firearms.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

MORE NEWS: Oklahoma City Thunder Retain Isaiah Hartenstein on Three-Year, $75 Million Deal

“Look, we need to be doing more than talking. It can’t just be words there needs to be action. When we have seen school shooting after school shooting. When we have seen church shootings by horrible actors,” Frey said.

“To recognize that we’ve got more guns in this country than we have people. And it’s on all of us to recognize that we can’t just say that this shouldn’t happen again and then allowed to happen again and again beyond that.”

The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, killed himself at the scene.

According to Fox News, Westman legally changed his name and began identifying as female in 2019.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from RVM News, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Court records show his mother, Mary Grace Westman, a former secretary at Annunciation Catholic School until her retirement in 2021, signed the paperwork for the legal name change.

Investigators said Westman left behind disturbing writings and posted a video manifesto online before the attack.

One page of the writings displayed a transgender pride flag sticker with the words “Defend equality” alongside a black AK-47 sticker.

In the video, which was later removed from YouTube, Westman can be seen flipping through pages of the manifesto, stabbing the document with a knife, muttering in different voices, and whispering, “Nothing makes me want to stop my plans.”

Close

MORE NEWS: O.J. Simpson Excluded From Bills Legends Display at New Stadium in Orchard Park

Westman carried out the shooting Wednesday morning during Mass at Assumption Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

Authorities said he opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows, killing two children and injuring at least 17 others before taking his own life.

The writings posted by Westman also included threatening messages.

On one of the magazines shown in the manifesto video, Westman had written, “Where is your God?”

Law enforcement officials have not yet released a motive but confirmed they are reviewing the manifesto, online postings, and other materials recovered from the scene.

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting Minneapolis police with the investigation.

The victims’ names have not been released pending notification of families.

Local officials confirmed grief counselors have been assigned to support students and parishioners affected by the shooting.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RVM News. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.