Tragedy Strikes Minneapolis Catholic School: Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Mass Shooting
Minneapolis was shaken Wednesday morning after a devastating mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, leaving two children dead and 17 others injured, authorities confirmed. The attack took place during morning Mass, turning what should have been a safe and sacred space into a scene of terror.
Law enforcement sources have identified the suspected shooter as Robin M. Westman, formerly known as Robert Westman. Court records reveal that the Minneapolis juvenile had their name legally changed in 2019, with FBI Director Kash Patel confirming that the individual was born Robert and later became Robin. Additional court documents filed by a mother named Mary Grace Westman provide further verification of the name change, noting that Robin identifies as female.
Shocking Details of the Shooting
Police say Robin Westman carried three firearms during the attack: a rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized that all weapons had been legally purchased and that Westman had no prior criminal record. Witnesses described a male suspect dressed in black, armed, and moving through the school in what officials described as a “coordinated attack.”
After the incident, the shooter reportedly took their own life, ending the immediate threat but leaving the community reeling. At the time of the attack, the relationship between the shooter and the school was unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether Westman had any direct connection to students or staff.
Victims and Medical Response
The casualties from the shooting are heartbreaking. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were confirmed dead. Seventeen people were injured, including 14 children, with several in critical condition. Hennepin Healthcare received ten victims, reporting one adult and six children in critical condition, and another adult with two children with non-life-threatening injuries. Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed treating six children but did not release further details to respect patient privacy.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims, but the human toll is clear: families and the local community are facing a nightmare scenario. Police say 17 people were injured in total, including 14 children, and two of the victims remain in critical condition.
Evidence and Social Media Connection
Disturbing videos linked to Robin Westman appeared on YouTube prior to being taken down after the shooting. The videos reportedly featured handwritten pages from a notebook, firearms marked with messages, and personal commentary. Police confirmed that they were aware of a “manifesto” timed for release, which seemed to document the shooter’s intentions. Chief O’Hara stated that the manifesto included images of the shooter at the scene and disturbing writings.
Authorities are now pursuing a broader investigation. Police executed four search warrants in the Minneapolis metro area—one at the school and three at other residences. Additional firearms were seized from these locations, although the investigation is ongoing regarding the motive and any potential accomplices.
Community and Leadership Response
The Minneapolis Police Department issued a reassuring message, confirming that there was “no active threat to the community at this time” and that the shooter was contained. Still, the sense of shock and grief remains palpable across the city.
National leaders have responded swiftly. Former President Donald Trump acknowledged the tragedy and confirmed that the FBI had launched an investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel clarified that the shooting is being treated as both a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics. Patel also confirmed the ages of the children who died, reinforcing the tragic nature of this attack.
Background on the Shooter
Some background information has emerged about Robin M. Westman. According to court documents, the name change from Robert to Robin was officially recognized in 2019. Mary Grace Westman, the mother who filed the paperwork, explained that the minor child identifies as female and wished for her name to reflect that identity. The mother was previously associated with the school, appearing on its Facebook feed in 2021 as the parish secretary before her retirement. She could not be reached for comment after the shooting.
The shooter’s social media presence, particularly the deleted YouTube videos, is now under scrutiny. These videos reportedly showed handwritten notes, weaponry with messages painted on them, and other disturbing content. Police believe the videos may provide insight into the shooter’s mindset and planning.
Timeline of Events
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Wednesday morning: Shooting occurs during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.
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Immediate response: Police arrive on the scene and secure the area. The suspect is dead by suicide.
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Medical response: Ten victims taken to Hennepin Healthcare, six children treated at Children’s Minnesota Hospital.
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Investigation: Police execute four search warrants in the Minneapolis metro area and seize additional firearms.
Public Safety and Investigation
Chief O’Hara stressed that the Minneapolis Police Department is fully engaged in investigating the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The focus is on understanding the shooter’s motives, the source of the weapons, and any potential threats remaining in the area. Authorities continue to ask residents to remain vigilant but assured the public that there is no ongoing danger.
Federal involvement is significant. The FBI is investigating the incident for both terrorism and hate crime angles, emphasizing the targeting of a Catholic institution. The decision to classify the shooting in this way highlights the potential for ideological motivation behind the attack, though investigators are still piecing together the details.
Impact on the Community
The immediate impact on the Annunciation Catholic School community is devastating. Parents, students, and faculty are grappling with fear and grief. School officials, law enforcement, and local authorities have mobilized counseling and support services for survivors and families affected by the shooting. The emotional toll is expected to be long-lasting, particularly for the young victims and their families.
Ongoing Questions
Many questions remain unanswered:
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What motivated Robin Westman to carry out this attack?
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Was there any prior warning or indication of violent tendencies?
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What connection, if any, did the shooter have with students or staff?
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How did the shooter legally acquire three firearms despite the tragic outcome?
Authorities are carefully analyzing all evidence, including the seized firearms, social media posts, and witness accounts. Officials have emphasized that this investigation will take time, given the complexity of the incident.
National Attention and Calls for Action
The shooting has drawn attention from leaders across the country, highlighting ongoing concerns about school safety, access to firearms, and domestic terrorism. With the FBI labeling this attack as a potential hate crime, there is heightened focus on protecting religious institutions and understanding the motivations behind such targeted violence.
As Minneapolis mourns, law enforcement, federal agencies, and local officials are working together to support victims and prevent future tragedies. The city’s message is clear: while the immediate threat has ended, the community will need time, resources, and solidarity to heal.
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