A morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis turned into tragedy when a gunman opened fire, killing two children and injuring 17 others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police identified the attacker as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who entered the church shortly after 8:15 a.m. armed with multiple legally purchased weapons. Authorities said Westman blocked one side entrance with a plank marked “no escape” before firing through stained-glass windows into the congregation of schoolchildren, staff, and parishioners.
The victims included two children, ages 8 and 10, who died at the scene. Seventeen others — fourteen children ranging from 6 to 15, and three adults in their 80s — were injured, some critically. Doctors say all of the injured are expected to survive, though several underwent emergency surgery.
Online Trail and Manifesto
Investigators revealed Westman left behind a manifesto and several disturbing videos posted to YouTube under the name “Robin W.” The materials included sketches of the school, writings about suicide, extremist commentary, and references to past mass shooters. Some weapons were marked with phrases such as “for the children” and “kill Donald Trump.”
Authorities are reviewing the online content and have since seized additional firearms from three properties linked to Westman. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “intentional and calculated.”
Federal Investigation
The FBI is treating the shooting as both domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics, citing the writings’ anti-religious content. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents are working alongside local law enforcement to determine Westman’s motivations and whether others were involved in planning.
Community Response
Mayor Jacob Frey urged the public not to scapegoat the transgender community — Westman identified as a woman — and instead to keep the focus on victims. “Kids died today. This needs to be about them,” Frey said at a press briefing.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered state flags lowered to half-staff, calling the attack “a devastating loss for children who only came to celebrate the start of a school year.” Vigils have already been organized by Catholic parishes across Minneapolis.
National Debate
The shooting has reignited debate over gun violence, school safety, and mental health services. According to NBC News, nearly 60 shootings have taken place at U.S. K-12 schools this year, the highest figure on record.
Religious leaders also noted a troubling increase in attacks on faith institutions. FBI statistics show a 37% rise in reported religious hate crimes since 2020, many of them targeting Catholic sites.
Advocates such as Brandon Wolf of the Human Rights Campaign emphasized that blaming marginalized groups only distracts from the real drivers of mass shootings: easy access to guns, insufficient mental health care, and radicalization through extremist online spaces.
A City in Mourning
At Annunciation Catholic School, stories have already emerged of courage. Teachers reportedly shielded children with their own bodies, while older students helped classmates to safety. Principal Matt DeBoer praised staff as a “dream team who gave everything to protect their students.”
As Minneapolis grieves, federal and local leaders have promised a thorough investigation — but for the families of two children, the loss is immeasurable.
