By Maria Aguilar and Dalia Faheid, CNN
A fifth grader says he was shielded by his friend as a gunman fired at students attending a Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school.
Two children were killed as they gathered for the Mass to mark the first week of school, according to police.
The shooter, who is dead, was identified as Robin Westman, multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the matter told CNN.
Children ages 6 to 14 are being treated for injuries at area hospital, with some in critical condition.
Officials said the shooter fired through windows at people sitting in pews, injuring at least 17.
Weston Halsne, a fifth grader at Annunciation Catholic School, said a friend who shielded him from gunfire was shot in the back as they hid under the pews.
When shots were fired, Weston and his friend nestled themselves under the pews in the church, Weston told CNN affiliate WCCO.
"They shot through the stained glass windows I think, and it was really scary," Weston said.
Weston said he was about two seats away from the stained glass windows when the shooting began. That's when his friend stepped in to help him, he said.
"The first one I was like 'What is that?'… And then I heard it again (and) I just ran under the pew and then I covered my head.
"My friend Victor saved me though 'cause he laid on top of me but he got hit," he said.
They hid under the pews for 5 to 10 minutes before evacuating to the gym and locking the doors, he said.
His friend was injured and taken to the hospital, he told WCCO.
"I was super scared for him, but I think now he's okay," Weston said.
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