Minneapolis, MN — On Wednesday morning, tragedy struck the Annunciation Catholic School during a morning Mass, with horrified worshippers watching as a gunman opened fire through the church windows. The violence, described by officials as “unthinkable,” took the lives of two young children and left 17 others wounded, deeply shaking the local community and beyond.
The Attack
Just before 8:30 a.m. CDT, the shooter—later identified as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman of Richfield, MN—fired a barrage of rounds from a rifle, shotgun, and pistol into the pews where children were seated during Mass, marking the start of the new school year . Police confirmed the two victims killed were children, aged eight and ten. Fourteen of those wounded were also children, with several in critical condition.
After the attack, Westman was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the rear of the church—a tragic murder-suicide. Investigators searched his vehicle and discovered a smoke bomb at the scene, though no additional explosives were found.
Among hospitals receiving victims, Hennepin Healthcare took in 11 patients—including nine children and two adults—with at least seven in critical condition. Four had to undergo surgery. Children’s Minnesota also treated multiple young victims.
Community and Political Response
Local leaders responded immediately. Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the attack as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping.”
Mayor Jacob Frey, visibly shaken, challenged the hollow reassurance of “thoughts and prayers,” saying, “These kids were literally praying.” He implored for meaningful action, saying children should be able to go to school and church “in peace without the fear or risk of violence.”
Governor Tim Walz said he had been briefed and offered prayers for the victims and school staff, calling this a “horrific act of violence.”
Federal and state legislators, including Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith and Representative Ilhan Omar, shared condolences and reiterated a shared call for prevention and support for victims . Former President Donald Trump, via Truth Social, stated he had been fully briefed and said federal authorities were monitoring the situation.
Broader Context
This horrifying incident marks the fourth deadly shooting in Minneapolis in just 24 hours, underscoring an alarming surge in local violence . It also comes amid a grim national trend — with at least 33 school shootings reported across the U.S. so far in 2025.
Profile of the Shooter
According to law enforcement and local reports—the perpetrator, Robin M. Westman, had no known criminal record. The gunman lived in Richfield, MN, and reportedly had ties to the school through his mother, who worked there. Investigators are probing the motive, as Westman left behind suspicious materials, including possible violent content and imagery.
According to the New York Post, police are investigating whether a series of sick YouTube videos shared on an account hours before the shooting was connected to Westman.
The videos included a red notebook that was laid on top of a schematic gun diagrams, and displaying of the person’s obsession in mass shootings (specifically Sandy Hook).
The images also show a semi-automatic rifle and shotgun. Magazines were scrawled with “for the children” and “kill Donald Trump.”
Conclusion and Next Steps
As grief grips the Annunciation community, efforts are underway to support families and survivors. Church and political leaders are calling not only for prayers but for substantive actions to confront gun violence. The school and broader community will now face long days of healing and reflection.
