A devastating incident occurred at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis when a shooter opened fire during a Mass attended by children and worshippers, marking the first week of school. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others, as reported by local authorities.
The shooting took place just before 8:30 a.m. local time, coinciding with the start of the Mass. This Mass was particularly significant as it celebrated the beginning of the school year at the nearby Annunciation Catholic School. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, the shooter, identified as Robin Westman, aged 23, used a combination of firearms including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol to fire through the church's windows from outside the building.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, Annunciation Catholic School principal Matthew DeBoer praised the quick actions of staff members who swiftly moved students under the pews to protect them from harm. He noted that the adults acted heroically, with older children assisting in shielding the younger ones. Tragically, two children aged 8 and 10 lost their lives at the scene, while 17 individuals sustained injuries—among them three elderly parishioners in their 80s and 14 children between the ages of 6 and 15.
Chief O'Hara reported that all injured victims are expected to recover. According to officials at Children's Minnesota hospital, three children remained hospitalized, while four patients had already been discharged. The prompt response and protective measures taken during the shooting likely prevented further casualties.
Authorities have identified Robin Westman as the shooter, who legally purchased the firearms used in the attack and had no prior criminal record. Investigators are currently examining evidence suggesting that Westman may have left behind writings and YouTube videos linked to the tragic shooting. These videos reportedly featured firearms and weapon magazines with handwritten messages referencing past mass shooters, as well as detailed schematic drawings of a church sanctuary hall.
In a significant revelation, it was noted that in 2020, Westman's mother petitioned to change her child's name from Robert to Robin, indicating a desire for the name to reflect their gender identity. Court documents obtained by NPR reveal that Westman's mother, Mary Grace Westman, had previously served at the church where the shooting occurred, adding a layer of complexity to this heartbreaking situation.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced via X that the attack would be investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime specifically targeting Catholics. The investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the full scope of this tragic event.
This tragic shooting at the Annunciation Church has left the Minneapolis community in shock and mourning. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while seeking justice for those affected by this horrific act of violence.
