First lady Melania Trump said she was “shattered” by the “senseless and depraved” deadly shooting at a Minneapolis school’s morning Mass — as she also called for improved screening to spot those signaling plans to carry out such carnage.
“The tragic mass killing in Minnesota illuminates the need for pre-emptive intervention in identifying potential school shooters,” the first lady posted on X late Wednesday, hours after two kids were killed and 17 others injured.
“Early warning signs are often evident, with many individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors and making violent threats online prior to their actions,” she added.
Her statement came hours after deranged gunman Robin Westman, 23, opened fire on the Annunciation Catholic Church and School Wednesday morning while students were praying at mass.
The transgender shooter had posted disturbing videos online that included showing pages of a chilling handwritten manifesto glorifying violence on a since-deleted YouTube page.
The video showed the phrases “kill Donald Trump” and “for the children” scrawled on gun magazines.
Westman, who legally changed his name from Robert to Robin in 2020, also went into alarming detail about his decision to target the school, where he graduated from grade school in 2017.
Melania Trump said that preventing mass shootings like Wednesday’s has to start with identifying warning signs of potential violence in individuals at home.
“To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial we look into behavioral threat assessments across all levels of society — beginning in our homes, extending through school districts and of course, social media platforms. Being aware of these warning signs and acting quickly can save lives and make American communities safer.”
The first lady added that her heart was “shattered” for the victims’ and families’ affected by a “senseless and depraved violent act.”
“There is nothing that anyone can say to make your grief go away, but please know that you are not alone,” she added.
Read the full article here
