by Minneapolis, Minnesota — A horrific shooting during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in south Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 people injured on Wednesday morning, police confirmed. The alleged shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism.
Two Children Killed in Pew During Service
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that the two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed “where they sat, in the pews” during a service marking the beginning of the school year. An additional 14 students and three adults were injured. The injured children ranged from 6 to 15 years old, and three adults in their 80s were also hurt.
Seven of the injured arrived at nearby hospitals in critical condition but are expected to survive. Locked doors prevented the shooter from entering the church, which likely prevented further casualties. Mayor Jacob Frey stated:
“As horrible as this has been, it could have been far worse… These kids were literally praying.”
Shooter Identified and Background
Authorities identified the shooter as Robin Westman, a transgender woman from Richland, a suburb of Minneapolis. Westman attended Annunciation Church grade school in 2017 and was employed briefly this year at Rise, a Minnesota medical cannabis dispensary.
Westman’s mother, a former staffer at the school, legally changed Westman’s name in 2019 from Robert Paul Westman. Mayor Frey emphasized:
“Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community or any community out there has lost their sense of humanity.”
Details of the Attack
Police said Westman approached the church from the side, barricaded the doors, and fired dozens of rounds through windows using a pistol, shotgun, and rifle, all legally purchased. Both children and other worshippers were shot before Westman took their own life at the rear of the church.
Authorities recovered a video showing firearms, ammunition, a letter to family and friends, clothing, and a diagram of the church. A notebook found included racial and religious slurs and writings about mass murders, some in Cyrillic script.
“In regards to my motivation behind the attack I can’t really put my finger on a specific purpose,” the notebook reportedly reads.
Westman did not have an extensive criminal history, and investigators are still determining the motive.
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Response From Officials and Community Leaders
Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar joined local leaders to support victims’ families. President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff at federal buildings and military posts until Sunday sunset and encouraged prayers for the victims.
Mayor Frey emphasized focusing on the victims:
“Kids died today. This needs to be about them. This needs to be about wrapping our arms around these families with every bit of love that we can possibly show.”
Heroic Actions by School Staff and First Responders
Principal Matt DeBoer praised teachers and staff for their quick response. Students were shielded by adults and older children. First responders received commendations for their rapid efforts.
Several children were treated at Children’s Minnesota Pediatric Trauma Hospital and M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, with some in critical condition and others stabilized and discharged.
Broader Context of Gun Violence in Minnesota
The shooting comes amid a surge in gun violence in the state. The previous day, another mass shooting occurred just four miles from the church, leaving one person dead and six injured. In June, two legislators and their spouses were shot, resulting in multiple fatalities.
According to The Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. has seen 286 mass shootings so far in 2025, compared with 503 in 2024, highlighting a growing concern over firearm violence.
Community Mourning and Vigils
Vigils have been held at Holy Angels High School in Richfield and Lynnhurst Park, attended by officials and local residents. Community members expressed heartbreak over the tragedy and the loss of young lives.
“Annunciation is such a tight-knit community… I was really impacted knowing it’s so close to home,” said local parent Kailee Polin.
Families, students, and neighbors continue to grieve, while law enforcement works to gather all relevant information regarding the shooter’s background and motives.
If you want to leave messages of support for the victims or follow the latest developments, visit ibwhsmag.com.
