Minneapolis, MN, August 29, 2025 – A horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27, claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others during a morning Mass, rocking the community and fueling national outrage over gun violence. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student, died by suicide at the scene. The FBI has labeled the attack an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Deadly Attack Unfolds

At around 8:30 a.m. CDT, Westman, armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in the Windom neighborhood. The school, serving 340 students from preschool to eighth grade, was holding a Mass to mark the start of the school year. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed, and 18 others—14 children and three adults—were injured, some critically. Police recovered 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and one malfunctioned handgun round. Westman barricaded some church doors, hindering escape, but locked entrances likely limited further casualties.

Who Was Robin Westman?

Robin Westman, born Robert Westman, graduated from Annunciation in 2017 and legally changed their name to Robin in 2020, identifying as female. Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, was a school administrative assistant until 2021. YouTube posts, later removed, revealed Westman’s fixation on mass shootings, suicidal thoughts, and depression. A sketch of the church’s interior, labeled in Cyrillic, and notes from May 23 showed months of planning. Weapons bore hateful messages, including antisemitic, racist, and anti-Catholic slurs, and a call to “Kill Donald Trump.” Westman had no criminal record and briefly worked at a medical cannabis dispensary in 2025.

Community in Shock

The tight-knit Annunciation community is reeling. Staff heroically sheltered students under pews during the attack. Vigils, including one at Lynnhurst Park, have drawn hundreds, with a growing memorial of flowers and candles outside the church. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged unity, saying, “These kids were praying. They deserved safety.” He warned against scapegoating the transgender community, emphasizing, “Blaming any group for this tragedy is wrong.” Governor Tim Walz called the attack “horrific,” while President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff through August 31.

Investigations and National Debate

The Minneapolis Police, FBI, and ATF are probing Westman’s motives, analyzing devices and three linked residences. Chief Brian O’Hara described Westman’s path as “classic” for an active shooter. The shooting has reignited calls for gun control, with Frey advocating for assault rifle bans and the archbishop of Chicago decrying easy access to firearms. Social media is ablaze with polarized reactions, some focusing on Westman’s identity, prompting officials to caution against division.

Victims and Support

Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota treated the injured, with one child in critical condition. Victim support services are mobilized, and the Uvalde Foundation for Kids is raising funds for families. A moment of silence was held at a Minnesota Twins game in Toronto.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need to address gun violence and mental health, as Minneapolis mourns and the nation searches for answers.