UPDATE: A gun store in central Minnesota is reeling after a customer, identified as Robin Westman, was linked to a horrific mass shooting that left two children dead and 18 injured at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Just hours after the shooting, federal agents descended on Frontiersman Sports, managed by Chris Mercadante, to investigate the purchase of a .38 special caliber revolver made only four days prior.
The chilling incident unfolded on August 27, 2023, when Westman opened fire on the school, shocking the community and igniting fears within the gun store known for its strict measures to prevent firearms from falling into dangerous hands. “You never want to hear this, you never want to see this,” Mercadante stated, expressing his distress over the connection.
After confirming the revolver’s sale, Mercadante reviewed surveillance footage showing Westman browsing firearms, appearing friendly and knowledgeable during a 40-minute visit. The unsettling video revealed Westman laughing and socializing with staff, raising questions about how such a seemingly normal customer could commit such an atrocity.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the revolver was used in the shooting. However, the incident has shaken the store’s staff, who pride themselves on identifying potential red flags in customers. Mercadante noted, “The (suspect) was smiling and joking and laughing. I mean, if that’s not evil, I don’t know what is.”
Frontiersman Sports has a rigorous policy to prevent sales to individuals displaying concerning behavior. Owner Kory Krause emphasized their commitment to discerning customer intentions, stating, “We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, sexual orientation, or appearance. We do discriminate based solely on behavior and actions.”
Despite Minnesota laws prohibiting firearm sales to those with criminal records or mental health issues, the store’s employees often face difficult decisions. The staff undergoes ongoing training to recognize subtle warning signs, and they frequently discuss potential threats as a team.
The tragedy has prompted discussions about mental health and gun control. Krause expressed skepticism about plans to restrict gun ownership based on gender identity, arguing that mental health should be the focus instead. “Being transgender is not a psychiatric diagnosis,” he stated, underscoring the complexities surrounding mental health and gun ownership.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the store has adopted additional precautions, including limiting phone use on the premises to prevent straw purchases. Krause noted, “You always sit back and go, ‘Could I have done more?’ … ‘Did something stand out that I didn’t see?'”
As the investigation continues, Frontiersman Sports remains determined to uphold their responsibility in the community. Mercadante concluded, “You have to move on from these things… but you always want to remember it.”
With the community still reeling from this tragic event, the focus shifts to improving safety protocols and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue their investigation.
