Deadly School Shooting at Minneapolis Church Leaves 2 Children Dead, 17 Injured

 

 

Two children were killed and 17 others injured Wednesday morning after a gunman opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church during a school Mass in Minneapolis. The shooting took place at Annunciation Catholic School and is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime, authorities confirmed.

Police say 23-year-old Robin Westman approached the church just before 8:30 a.m., firing dozens of rounds from a rifle at nearly 200 students gathered inside for Mass. Westman, who was also armed with a shotgun and a pistol, later died by suicide at the scene, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

The two victims were 8 and 10 years old. Fourteen other children, ages 6 to 15, and three elderly parishioners in their 80s were also injured but are expected to survive.

At a press conference, O’Hara called the shooting “absolutely incomprehensible,” citing the deliberate targeting of a church full of children. A wooden plank was found barricading one of the doors, and a smoke bomb was recovered at the scene.

Investigators are reviewing a disturbing social media trail left by Westman, including YouTube videos showing weapons inscribed with hateful messages and a hand-drawn diagram of the church marked for attack. The channel has since been taken down.

No known connection has been found between the shooter and the school or church. Westman had no significant criminal record and is believed to have acted alone.

The FBI is now treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, with possible hate-crime motivations, particularly against the Catholic community.

Survivors describe a chaotic, terrifying scene. Fifth-grader Weston Halsne said he was shielded by a friend who was struck by gunfire. “I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s okay,” Weston said. “I’m praying for all the kids who got hurt.”

Parents and family members gathered outside the church in shock, many unsure whether their children were safe. Michael Simpson, whose grandson attends the school, questioned his faith in the aftermath: “I don’t know where [God] is.”

Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar joined hundreds at a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening. Archbishop Bernard Hebda addressed mourners, reflecting on the church’s inscription, “House of God and the gate of heaven.”

“How could such a tragedy take place here?” he asked. “It’s unthinkable.”

Westman’s gender identity drew attention after federal officials referred to the suspect as transgender. A 2020 court petition approved a name change from Robert to Robin, noting a female gender identity. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence and urged the public not to direct hate toward the transgender community.

Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, said he had little contact with the suspect and called the act an “unspeakable tragedy.”

President Donald Trump and Gov. Walz both ordered flags lowered to half-staff. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, sent a message of condolence from the Vatican, saying he was praying for the victims’ families.

Catholic leaders and lawmakers nationwide called for legislative action. Archbishop Gregory Hartmeyer, head of the National Catholic Education Association, said: “The murder of children worshipping at Mass is unspeakable. We must act to protect families from violence.”

The shooting comes just days into the new school year at Annunciation, a 102-year-old institution located five miles south of downtown Minneapolis.

Despite the trauma, school leaders praised staff and students for their bravery. “Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger ones,” said Principal Matt DeBoer.

The shooting is one of several violent incidents in Minneapolis within a 24-hour span, though police say it appears unrelated to other cases. Violent crime in the city has declined overall since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to national tracking data.

Annunciation School, once known for its welcoming atmosphere, is now a symbol of grief — and resolve.

“Everyone felt safe here,” said former staff member Karin Cebulla. “I just pray it continues to be a place where people feel safe again.”Minneapolis Church