Minneapolis School Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead; Shooter Identified as Former Student Robert “Robin” Westman

Minneapolis, MN - August 28, 2025 - A mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others, as authorities confirmed the identity of the gunman and launched hate-crime and domestic-terrorism investigations.

Shooting and Immediate Response

At approximately 8:30 a.m., a heavily armed assailant opened fire through the stained-glass windows of the church annex where students were gathered for morning Mass. Two children-an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old-were killed at the scene. Seventeen individuals, including 14 children aged 6 to 15 and three elderly parishioners in their 80s, sustained gunshot wounds; all are expected to survive their injuries.

Identification of the Shooter

The FBI, investigating the incident as both domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics, confirmed that the shooter was 23-year-old Robin Westman, born Robert Westman on June 17, 2002. Westman graduated from Annunciation Catholic School in 2017 and legally changed their name in 2020 to reflect their female gender identity. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

Weapons and Investigation

Police recovered a high-powered rifle, a shotgun, and a nine-millimeter pistol-all legally purchased by Westman-at the premises. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that authorities are examining online videos posted by Westman earlier Wednesday, which depict the arsenal used in the attack and feature extremist inscriptions and hateful messages targeting political figures, religious groups, and other communities.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced that search warrants have been executed at the church and three residences linked to the shooter. Electronic devices seized are undergoing forensic analysis to determine motive, though no definitive motive has yet been established.

Community and Official Reactions

Mayor Jacob Frey called the attack “pure cruelty and cowardice,” warning against exploiting the tragedy to demonize the transgender community or any other group. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz offered prayers for victims and their families, while President Donald Trump issued a statement saying he had been fully briefed and extended his condolences.

School officials praised staff members who enacted emergency procedures by sheltering students under pews, likely preventing additional casualties. As families begin returning to campus, Minneapolis police have increased patrols in school zones to reassure the community.

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