by RICHFIELD, Minn. — Just hours after gunfire tore through a Catholic church in Minneapolis, killing two children and wounding 17 others, the community gathered in grief and solidarity. Hundreds packed into the Academy of Holy Angels gym on Wednesday night for a vigil, joined by Gov. Tim Walz, Archbishop Bernard Hebda, clergy members, parents, and neighbors. Many clutched one another, lit candles, and wiped away tears as they mourned the devastating loss.
Archbishop Hebda praised the students who acted bravely as chaos unfolded. “In the midst of that there was courage, there was bravery, but most especially there was love,” he told the silent crowd, which spilled outside as more people came to pay their respects.
Details of the Deadly Attack
The shooting took place Wednesday morning during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, a 102-year-old institution in a residential neighborhood about five miles south of downtown Minneapolis. According to Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the gunman—identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman—was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol.
Westman opened fire through the church windows, sending children and parishioners scrambling for cover. Authorities said Westman then died by suicide at the scene.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Fourteen other children—between the ages of 6 and 15—and three elderly parishioners were injured but are expected to survive.
Students and Teachers Shielded Each Other
Inside the church, nearly 200 children were attending Mass. Witnesses described moments of chaos and heroism. Rev. Dennis Zehren said the congregation was finishing the Responsorial Psalm when gunshots rang out and someone shouted, “Down, everybody down!”
Fifth-grader Weston Halsne recalled ducking under the pews as a classmate shielded him. “I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s OK,” the 10-year-old told reporters.
Teachers and older students acted quickly to protect younger ones. Principal Matt DeBoer noted, “Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children.”
Ongoing Investigation and Possible Motive
According to AP News, Police and federal investigators are still working to determine Westman’s motive. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the case is being investigated as domestic terrorism and a possible hate crime targeting Catholics.
Authorities discovered a smoke bomb and a barricaded door at the scene. Investigators are also reviewing social media activity tied to Westman. A since-removed YouTube channel under the name “Robin W” contained disturbing videos showing weapons, ammunition, and drawings of the church marked with violent messages.
Chief O’Hara said Westman had no significant criminal history and appeared to have acted alone. Federal officials described Westman as transgender, though family members and officials have not fully clarified details of their identity. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the targeting of transgender people in the aftermath, calling for compassion rather than hate.
Related: Minneapolis Church Shooting: 2 Children Killed, 17 Injured During School Mass
Families Share Trauma
Parents and survivors are still processing the terrifying attack. Vincent Francoual said his 11-year-old daughter, Chloe, survived by hiding in a downstairs room with a table against the door. “She told us today that she thought she was going to die,” he said.
Community members described Annunciation as a nurturing and welcoming environment. Former staff member Karin Cebulla, who once sent her daughters to the school, said the tragedy felt deeply personal. “This is an accepting, caring community. This cuts to the heart,” she said.
Vigils, Condolences, and National Mourning
Gov. Walz, who attended the vigil, lamented that children beginning a new school year were “met with evil and horror and death.” President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff nationwide, joining Walz in honoring the victims.
From Rome, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, sent condolences, offering prayers for the victims and their families.
This tragedy unfolded on what had been the first day of the school year for Annunciation Catholic School. Now, instead of celebrating new beginnings, the community is confronting heartbreak and fear.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, Minneapolis residents are focusing on healing. Local churches, nonprofits, and counseling centers are offering support for families and students who endured the attack. Community leaders are also renewing calls for stronger protections against gun violence and improved security measures at schools and places of worship.
For many parents and children, the sense of safety within their faith community has been shaken—but Wednesday night’s vigil showed their determination to stand together in grief, remembrance, and hope.
How do you think Minnesota should respond to this tragedy—through new laws, community programs, or school safety measures? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation at ibwhsmag.com.
