MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A horrific act of violence shattered the morning calm at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, when a gunman opened fire on students and parishioners during a back-to-school Mass. The attack resulted in the deaths of two young children, aged 8 and 10, and left 17 others injured, including 14 children and three adults. The shooter died by suicide at the scene.
A Devastating Attack on a Sacred Morning
The assailant, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, approached the church from the outside and fired a rifle through the stained-glass windows, targeting those gathered for the school-wide Mass. The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. on what was the first week of the new school year, turning a moment of worship and community into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. Eyewitness accounts described confusion and terror as the gunfire erupted, with some students initially mistaking the sounds for fireworks.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
Among the victims were an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, both of whom succumbed to their injuries. The injured included 14 children, whose ages ranged from 6 to 15, and three adults in their 80s who were attending the Mass. Authorities confirmed that all injured victims were expected to survive, with some already having been released from the hospital. The rapid response of law enforcement, who arrived at the scene within minutes of the first calls, was credited with preventing further loss of life.
The Shooter and Potential Motives
Robin Westman, the 23-year-old perpetrator, had previously attended Annunciation Catholic School, and their mother had worked at the church until 2021. Officials have indicated that Westman had no prior criminal history and had recently purchased the firearms—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—legally. Investigations are actively exploring writings and videos left by the shooter, which the FBI is examining as evidence of domestic terrorism motivated by anti-religious and hate-filled ideology. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the shooter expressed hate toward numerous groups and had a “deranged fascination” with mass killers, even displaying a call for violence against President Trump on a firearm magazine. Authorities are also examining social media content potentially associated with the suspect.
Official Responses and Community Grief
In response to the devastating attack, President Donald Trump ordered all flags at federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until August 31, 2025. He also spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who had also ordered state flags lowered and dispatched state law enforcement to schools and churches in the Minneapolis area. The FBI, along with state and local law enforcement, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, treating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the need for action beyond thoughts and prayers, stating, “These kids were literally praying.”
The Minneapolis community, along with the nation, is in mourning. Vigils have been held to honor the young lives lost and offer support to the families affected. The tragedy has reignited discussions about gun violence in America and the safety of children in educational and religious institutions. As these trending American stories continue to unfold, the focus remains on understanding the full scope of the attack and preventing future occurrences, underscoring the profound impact of such violence on the fabric of communities.
