Authorities are diligently investigating the motive behind the recent shooting incident that occurred at a Minneapolis Catholic school during Mass, resulting in the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to 17 other worshippers. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, was found deceased in the church parking lot, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that law enforcement is currently examining a vehicle in the church parking lot, which is believed to belong to Westman. Additionally, authorities are investigating three residences in the area linked to the shooter. Investigators are also reviewing content that Westman had allegedly scheduled for release on YouTube prior to the incident, which has since been removed from the platform. The FBI is treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime specifically targeting Catholics.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., the shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, approached the side of the Annunciation Catholic School church and fired indiscriminately through the windows towards children seated in the pews. Chief O’Hara reported that Westman utilized all three firearms, fired dozens of rounds, and attempted to barricade one side of the church’s doors. Notably, Westman had legally purchased the weapons and had no known criminal history, indicating that he acted alone in this heinous act.
Interestingly, Robin Westman's mother, Mary Grace Westman, worked at the Annunciation Catholic School. A post on the church's Facebook page from August 2021 celebrated her retirement after five years of service. A church newsletter from 2016 noted her hiring as an administrative assistant and mentioned her membership at Saint Agnes Church in St. Paul. However, it remains unclear whether Robin ever attended the church, visited the grounds, or was enrolled at the school.
Attempts to contact Mary Grace Westman were unsuccessful, as both phone calls and text messages went unanswered. Similarly, reporters from the Associated Press tried to reach Robin’s father but were met with no response at his residence. Communication with Robin's siblings also yielded no replies.
Federal officials have indicated that Robin Westman identified as transgender. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned any attempts to use the shooting to vilify the transgender community. In 2020, a legal petition was approved that changed Westman’s name from Robert to Robin, which was signed by his mother and noted his identification as female.
Robin’s uncle, Bob Heleringer, a former Kentucky state lawmaker, expressed his shock over the tragedy, stating he did not know Robin well but felt deeply saddened by the events. He lamented, “I wish he had shot me instead of innocent schoolchildren,” highlighting the profound grief and confusion surrounding the incident.
Authorities are aware of video content and writings that may have originated from Westman. A now-deleted YouTube channel titled “Robin W” contained at least two videos prior to its removal. In one video, a smartphone camera captured a cache of weapons and ammunition, with messages inscribed on them such as “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” Some inscriptions were noted to be in Cyrillic script. The individual in the video expressed remorse towards their family, stating, “I’m sorry to my family... that’s the only people I’m sorry to.”
Another video, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, showcased two journals, one containing over 150 pages written entirely in Cyrillic. The second journal, dated with its last entry on August 21, contained over 60 pages and featured a sticker of an AK-style rifle over a trans equality pride flag. The person in the video appeared distressed, mumbling heavily while indicating plans to upload a video on the day of the attack.
This tragic incident has raised significant concerns and has ignited conversations surrounding gun violence, mental health, and community safety, prompting a nationwide reflection on the issues at hand.
