Tragedy Strikes Annunciation Catholic School as Gunman Targets Morning Mass, Leaving Community in Mourning
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A devastating shooting unfolded this morning at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, where a gunman opened fire during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others. The attack, which occurred on the first week of classes, has been classified by federal authorities as an act of domestic terrorism and a potential hate crime targeting Catholics.
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The incident began around 8:30 a.m. Central Time at Annunciation Church, adjacent to the school, during an all-school Mass—an annual tradition to mark the start of the academic year. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at the school, approached the building armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all legally purchased. Westman barricaded at least two church doors from the outside before firing through the windows into the sanctuary, targeting children and worshipers seated in the pews. The shooting lasted approximately two minutes, according to police reports.
Among the victims were an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old child who were fatally wounded. Of the 17 injured, 14 were children between the ages of 6 and 15, and three were elderly parishioners in their 80s. All survivors are expected to recover, though the emotional toll on the community remains profound. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with one youth minister, Ellie Mertens, 25, recounting how a pew likely saved her life as bullets shattered glass nearby. Another bystander, Za’khia Jones, 29, witnessed bloodied children being rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, including one young victim screaming in fear.
Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, had no prior criminal history but left behind disturbing digital evidence. Investigators discovered a YouTube account under Westman’s name containing videos of diary entries detailing plans to kill children, along with drawings of the church sanctuary, weapons, ammunition, and what appeared to be explosive devices inscribed with violent messages. The account was swiftly removed with assistance from the FBI.
Further details on Westman’s background reveal that the shooter was born male as Robert Westman and legally changed their name to Robin at age 17, identifying as female. Westman’s mother was a retired employee of the school, adding a personal connection to the targeted institution. While no official motive has been released, the attack’s focus on a Catholic Mass has prompted the FBI to investigate it as a hate crime. Social media discussions and some reports have highlighted Westman’s transgender identity, prompting Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to defend the transgender community against potential backlash, stating that directing hate toward trans individuals reflects a loss of “common humanity.”
Law enforcement responded rapidly, with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirming the shooter was “contained” shortly after the incident. A heavy police presence, including federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, secured the area. School staff were praised for their quick actions, herding students under pews for safety within seconds of the first shots.
Official reactions poured in throughout the day. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, briefed on the situation, expressed heartbreak on social media: “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide until Sunday in honor of the victims and monitored developments via social media. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the domestic terrorism classification.
This tragedy marks the fourth deadly shooting in Minneapolis within the past 24 hours. Community vigils are planned for tonight, and school officials, including Principal Matthew DeBoer and Pastor Dennis Zehren, have vowed to rebuild with a message of hope, planning to announce resumption details over the weekend.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected families.
Thrivenews.co will provide updates as more information becomes available.
