Minnesota School Shooting Tragedy: Gunman Kills Two Children, Injures 17 During Catholic Mass
Minneapolis, MN — A devastating shooting erupted Wednesday morning at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where a gunman fired through the windows of the church during a Mass marking the first week of school. The attack resulted in the deaths of two young children—an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old—and left 17 others injured.
The victims included 14 children between the ages of 6 and 15, alongside three elderly parishioners in their 80s. All the injured survivors are expected to recover, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the scene. Authorities said the shooting was a “deliberate act of violence” and described it as “absolutely incomprehensible.” Westman had no known extensive criminal history.
Law enforcement officials detailed that Westman fired from outside the church, targeting the congregation during a sacred service. The tragic incident instantly shocked the community and prompted a strong response from local and national leaders.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz commented via social media, expressing his prayers and emphasizing the horror of the attack that marred the school’s first week. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the shooter, labeling Westman a “deranged monster.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged the public not to vilify any community in the aftermath but to focus on the victims and their families, stating, “Kids died today. This needs to be about them.”
Further adding to the complexities of the case, official records revealed that Westman, born Robert Westman on June 17, 2002, legally changed their name in 2020 to Robin Westman to reflect a female gender identity.
A vigil was held at the Academy of Holy Angels High School in Richfield, Minnesota, on the day following the shooting, drawing community members together in mourning and prayer. The Minneapolis Police Department assured residents that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
This heart-rending event comes as a tragic reminder of the persistent issue of gun violence in places considered safe havens for children and families. The community is now rallying to support the survivors and to call for renewed commitment to preventing such violence in the future.