MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 27, 2025) — A 23-year-old gunman opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, killing two children and injuring 17 others during a back-to-school Mass.
The Attack
Police say Robin Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds into Annunciation Catholic School around 8:30 a.m. as students and parishioners gathered for Mass.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Fourteen other children and three elderly parishioners, aged in their 80s, were wounded. Authorities said all survivors are expected to recover.
Westman died by suicide outside the church. Investigators also discovered a smoke bomb and barricaded doors at the scene.
Eyewitness Accounts
Fifth-grader Weston Halsne said he ducked under a pew as his friend shielded him. “I was super-scared for him, but I think now he’s okay,” the 10-year-old told reporters.
Parents and teachers described chaos as students hid in pews while staff and police officers rushed to protect them. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the response: “Children were protecting one another. Teachers were protecting children. There was heroism in the face of horror.”
Shooter Identified
Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman. Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, citing a 2020 court petition for a legal name change. Minneapolis officials urged the public not to direct hatred toward the transgender community, stressing that the motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Authorities are reviewing disturbing writings and YouTube videos left behind by Westman, including diary entries referencing violence against children. The FBI confirmed it is probing the case as a possible act of terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
National Response
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to half-staff, saying children “were met with evil and horror and death” just days into the new school year. President Donald Trump called the incident a “terrible situation” and pledged federal support.
From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, sent condolences, calling the killing of children at Mass “a terrible tragedy.”
Community Impact
The shooting marks the 146th school-related attack in the U.S. this year, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database. Calls for stronger gun legislation have intensified, with Catholic leaders urging Congress to act.
As the Minneapolis community gathers in grief, flowers and prayers have begun to fill the steps of Annunciation Catholic Church.
