On August 27, 2025, Minneapolis was struck by a devastating act of violence at Annunciation Catholic School. During morning Mass, gunfire erupted, leaving two children d*ad and at least 17 people injured, most of them students. The incident has shocked families, faith leaders, and the wider community, who are struggling to process the unimaginable.

The Identity of the Suspect
Law enforcement identified the shooter as Robin M. Westman, 23, who was previously known as Robert Paul Westman before a legal name change in 2019. According to official records, Westman carried out the attack with three legally purchased firearms—a rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the suspect had no prior criminal history, though investigators are now piecing together a troubling trail of online activity.

Disturbing Digital Footprints
Shortly after the shooting, disturbing YouTube videos linked to Westman were deleted. These clips reportedly showed weapons marked with written messages, pages from a handwritten notebook, and commentary from the suspect. Police also confirmed the existence of a manifesto timed to go public during the attack, raising questions about premeditation and motive.

Video: Annunciation shooting: Who was Robin Westman?

The Scene at Annunciation Catholic School
Witnesses describe chaos as children and teachers tried to flee the sanctuary. Officers quickly secured the scene, and paramedics rushed the injured to area hospitals. Hennepin Healthcare reported treating multiple children in critical condition, while Children’s Minnesota admitted six young patients. Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical staff, two children—aged eight and ten—lost their lives.

Law Enforcement Response
Authorities served four search warrants in the aftermath: one at the school and three more at residences across Minneapolis. Additional firearms were seized, though officials emphasized that the three weapons used in the shooting had all been purchased legally. Mayor Jacob Frey stood alongside law enforcement at the scene, vowing continued support for the families and promising transparency as the investigation unfolds.

National and Federal Reaction

The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, classifying the attack as both a domestic terrorism case and a hate crime targeting Catholics. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the dual investigation, while federal and state leaders, including former President Donald Trump, offered condolences to the victims’ families. Their statements underscored the urgency of addressing recurring violence in schools and places of worship.

Impact on Families and Community

Video: What we know about Minnesota school shooting suspect Robin Westman

The tragedy has left parents and children grappling with grief. Outside the church, neighbors and parishioners embraced one another, holding vigils and offering prayers for the injured. Hospitals released carefully worded statements, emphasizing both compassion and privacy for families in shock. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis expressed deep sorrow, calling for healing and solidarity.

Unanswered Questions
As investigators dig deeper, many questions remain: Did Westman have any direct connection to the school? What led to the decision to target a Catholic Mass? And how did someone with no criminal background escalate to carrying out such an attack? Officials are analyzing evidence, including digital files, notebooks, and witness testimony, to uncover answers.

A City Searching for Healing
For Minneapolis, this tragedy is not just another statistic—it’s a wound that cuts deep into the heart of a community rooted in faith and family. Annunciation Catholic School, long considered a cornerstone of stability, now faces the daunting task of recovery. Counselors, teachers, and local leaders are already working to provide support for traumatized children and parents.

Conclusion: Remembering the Victims, Seeking Accountability

The story of Robin Westman is not one of notoriety but of a community trying to make sense of senseless violence. The focus remains on the victims: two young children whose lives were cut short, and the families whose worlds have been shattered. As Minneapolis mourns, the investigation continues—driven by the hope that understanding what happened may prevent future tragedies.