Just hours after a shooter opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis, killing two children and wounding 17 people, hundreds crowded inside a nearby school’s gym for a vigil.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda described the students trying to shield their classmates as the gunfire erupted, emphasizing their courage, bravery, and love during the tragic event.

Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, 23-year-old Robin Westman shot dozens of rounds towards children sitting in pews during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.

The shooter then died by suicide.

The children who died were 8 and 10 years old, while 14 other kids and three octogenarian parishioners were wounded but expected to survive.

Rev. Dennis Zehren recounted the events as they unfolded during Mass. Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that officers responded immediately, entered the church, rendered first aid, and rescued some of the children.

The shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Westman released videos on social media showing a cache of weapons with phrases like 'kill Donald Trump' and 'Where is your God?' written on them.

Westman's gender identity was referred to as transgender, though it wasn't clear.

Police chief O’Hara stated that officers immediately responded to the shooting, entered the church, rendered first aid, and rescued some of the children.

The school community was described as accepting and caring by those who had been associated with Annunciation Catholic School.