MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A devastating shooting unfolded Friday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, where a gunman opened fire during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Federal authorities have classified the attack as domestic terrorism and a potential hate crime targeting Catholics.
The incident began around 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Church, where students gathered for an annual back-to-school Mass. Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student, who arrived armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all legally purchased. Westman barricaded two church doors before firing through the windows into the sanctuary, targeting children and parishioners. The attack lasted about two minutes.
An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old child were fatally wounded. Of the 17 injured, 14 were children ages 6 to 15, and three were elderly parishioners in their 80s. All are expected to recover physically. Witnesses described chaos as staff rushed students to safety. One youth minister said a pew shielded her from flying glass, while others recalled seeing injured children carried to ambulances.
Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators later discovered disturbing digital evidence, including videos describing plans to kill children, sketches of the church, and recordings of weapons and explosives. The content was removed from YouTube with FBI assistance.
Authorities revealed Westman, born Robert before legally changing names at 17, had a personal connection to the school through a parent who once worked there. While no motive has been confirmed, the targeting of a Catholic Mass has led the FBI to pursue the case as a hate crime. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged the public not to direct backlash toward the transgender community, warning that such reactions undermine “common humanity.”
Police secured the scene within minutes, aided by federal agents. Governor Tim Walz called the attack “heartbreaking,” while President Donald Trump ordered flags nationwide flown at half-staff until Sunday.
The tragedy marks the fourth deadly shooting in Minneapolis in 24 hours. Community vigils are planned this weekend as school leaders pledged resilience. Principal Matthew DeBoer and Pastor Dennis Zehren vowed to “rebuild with hope” as decisions on resuming classes are finalized.
