A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children, aged 8 and 10, dead and 17 others injured during a morning Mass on Wednesday. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide at the scene, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
Westman, born Robert Paul Westman, legally changed their name to Robin in 2020, with court records indicating they identified as female. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman fired through the church’s stained-glass windows in what police described as a “deliberate act of violence.” Authorities recovered a smoke bomb from a vehicle believed to belong to Westman and are investigating a series of disturbing YouTube videos allegedly posted by the suspect hours before the attack. The videos reportedly showed weapons, anti-religious messages, and a manifesto with entries in English and Cyrillic script.
Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, was a former employee of the school, retiring in 2021. The FBI and ATF are assisting in tracing the firearms, which were purchased legally, and analysing Westman’s digital footprint. The motive remains under investigation, with the FBI treating the incident as a possible hate crime and act of domestic terrorism.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the attack “incomprehensible,” emphasizing the profound loss felt by the community. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast until August 31 in honour of the victims.
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