Footage emerges of Annunciation School shooter buying weapons at a gun store in the days leading up to the tragedy

In the tragic aftermath of the shooting at Annunciation School in Minneapolis, new details have emerged about the gunman, Robin Westman, and his actions leading up to the devastating event.

On August 23, Westman, aged 23, bought a .38 special revolver at Frontiersman Sports. This purchase was one of several gun acquisitions he made in the days before the mass murder. According to reports by KSTP, Westman spent about 40 minutes inside the gun shop, interacting with staff members in a friendly and "jovial" manner. He smiled, laughed, and asked questions, behaviour that did not exhibit any red flags his staff were trained to look for.

Video footage from Frontiersman Sports, obtained by KSTP, shows Westman browsing firearms and hoisting a rifle. The video also reveals that the gun bought by Westman was not among the three used in the shooting at Annunciation School, which included a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun.

The shooting at the Catholic school claimed the lives of Fletcher Merkel, aged 8, and Harper Moyski, aged 10, and left 21 people, mostly children, wounded. A motive in the shooting is under investigation, but authorities have stated that Westman expressed hate toward many groups and had an obsession with previous mass shooters.

Kory Krause, the gun shop owner, has turned over the video to federal authorities. He is also sharing the video publicly to shed light on the shooter's behaviour before the attack. Krause stated that Westman's behaviour did not show any signs of concern, further emphasising the need for continued vigilance and training for gun shop staff.

In the days before the attack, Westman also acquired a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a tactical shotgun, in addition to the .38 special revolver purchased at Frontiersman Sports. All the guns used in the attack were purchased legally and recently by Westman.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of two young lives and prays for the recovery of the wounded. The video footage from Frontiersman Sports serves as a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety and the need for continued vigilance in identifying potential threats.