What began as a routine school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in south Minneapolis turned into one of Minnesota’s darkest days when a gunman opened fire on students and parishioners.
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| Police vehicles and emergency crews gather outside Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis following Wednesday’s mass shooting |
The Attack
Authorities confirmed that 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, a former student of the school, opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows during Wednesday morning Mass. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol — all legally obtained — Westman killed two children, ages 8 and 10, and wounded 17 others, including 14 students and three elderly worshippers.
The attack ended when Westman took her own life on the scene.
Shooter’s Background and Motive
Westman, a transgender woman, once attended Annunciation Catholic School. Her mother worked there for years before retiring in 2021. Investigators say Westman left behind a manifesto, posted online shortly before the shooting, laced with hate-filled messages directed at Catholics, Jews, and political figures. Authorities also found slogans scrawled on the firearms, including phrases such as “Where is your God?” and references to past mass shooters.
The FBI and local authorities are treating the attack as both domestic terrorism and an anti-Catholic hate crime.
Eyewitness Accounts
Students and parishioners described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. A fifth-grader recalled mistaking the initial blasts for fireworks before realizing the danger. Another child was shielded by a friend as bullets tore through the pews. Teachers and staff acted quickly, rushing children to safety.
The school’s principal called the incident “a nightmare we could never have imagined,” while praising the bravery of staff and first responders.
Community and Political Response
Mayor Jacob Frey urged the public not to weaponize the shooter’s gender identity, warning against spreading transphobic rhetoric. “This was an act of hate and violence — not a reflection of an entire community,” he said.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the attack as “evil and horror unleashed,” ordering flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in mourning. National leaders, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Ilhan Omar, expressed solidarity with victims’ families and called for renewed efforts on gun safety laws.
A City in Mourning
The Annunciation Catholic community, known for its close-knit parish life, has been left reeling. Vigils have sprung up outside the school, with flowers, candles, and hand-drawn notes from children lining the church steps. Clergy members across Minneapolis are holding special services for healing.
Counselors are being made available to students and families as the city grapples with grief.
Facts Confirmed by Authorities
- Shooter: Robin M. Westman, 23, former student
- Location: Annunciation Catholic Church & School, south Minneapolis
- Date: August 27, 2025
- Fatalities: 2 children + shooter
- Injuries: 17 (14 children, 3 elderly adults)
- Weapons: Rifle, shotgun, pistol (legally purchased)
- Investigation: Classified as domestic terrorism & anti-Catholic hate crime
- Response: Flags at half-staff, federal and local investigation ongoing
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