A morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School turned into horrific violence when a gunman opened fire through stained-glass windows, killing two children and injuring 17 others, including elderly parishioners.
The Incident
On the first school Mass of the academic year, 23-year-old Robin Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all legally and recently purchased—fired dozens of rounds from outside the church building. The assailant then died by suicide at the scene.
Victims and Response
Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed instantly during the chaos. Seventeen others were injured—14 of them students aged 6 to 18, along with three parishioners in their 80s—all expected to survive.
Investigation
Authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime, specifically targeting Catholics. A manifesto and suicide note found with the suspect indicated deep depression and admiration for previous mass shooters.
The Perpetrator
The suspect, Robin M. Westman (born June 17, 2002), previously attended Annunciation School and had no criminal history. Court records show Westman changed their name in 2020, aligning with their gender identity.
Community Reaction
Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have urged against politicizing Westman’s gender identity, warning against casting blame on the transgender community. Governor Tim Walz and religious leaders called for unity and compassion.
A vigil held that evening at the Academy of Holy Angels drew hundreds, with Governor Walz and Archbishop Bernard Hebda among those honoring the victims.
National Response
President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff nationwide in mourning. Pope Leo XIV also expressed condolences, offering spiritual solidarity with the affected families and community.
