A morning Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school turned into tragedy on Wednesday when a shooter opened fire through the windows of a church filled with children and parishioners. Authorities confirmed that two children, ages eight and ten, were killed in the attack at the Annunciation Catholic School. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
According to law enforcement officials, the shooting occurred during the first week of the school year, when the church was hosting a special Mass for students, families, and community members. What began as a day of routine prayers and celebration ended in chaos as bullets shattered the stained glass windows, sending terrified worshippers scrambling for safety.
Seventeen additional people were injured in the attack. Fourteen of them were children between the ages of six and fifteen. Many were treated for gunshot wounds and trauma-related injuries. Hospital officials said that two of the children remain in critical condition but are expected to survive. Three elderly parishioners in their eighties were also struck during the gunfire, adding to the toll of injuries. Police emphasized that while the number of casualties is staggering, emergency response teams were able to prevent further loss of life by rapidly transporting victims to area hospitals.
The FBI later confirmed the shooter’s identity, noting that Westman was born Robert Westman but had legally changed his name in recent years. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack, though they confirmed that Westman acted alone. Authorities are now reviewing digital evidence, interviewing family members, and examining past behavioral reports in an effort to understand what led to the violence.
The scene outside the school quickly filled with first responders, parents, and community leaders. Streets around the church were blocked off as police secured the area and evacuated children to nearby facilities. Witnesses described an atmosphere of shock and disbelief, as families reunited with their children amid the wail of sirens and the swirl of flashing lights. Counselors have been dispatched to assist students and staff as they process the traumatic events.
City officials pledged full support to the victims and their families, calling the incident one of the darkest days the community has faced in recent memory. Local hospitals confirmed that all injured victims were receiving treatment and, despite the severity of some wounds, doctors remain optimistic about recovery.
As investigators work to piece together the circumstances leading up to the shooting, questions are already being raised about how such violence could strike in a setting meant to be a place of safety and reflection. The attack adds to a series of high-profile mass shootings across the country, fueling ongoing debates about school security, gun laws, and mental health resources.
For now, Minneapolis is left to grieve the loss of two young lives and to reckon with the trauma endured by many others. Vigils are expected in the coming days as the community gathers to mourn, remember, and begin the long process of healing.