A tragic shooting unfolded at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday when an assailant armed with three legally purchased firearms opened fire through stained-glass windows during a school Mass. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, while 17 others — including 14 students and three elderly parishioners — were wounded. Police said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the parish school, died by suicide at the scene after barricading exits.
Authorities described the assault as a deliberate act of terror, with FBI Director Kash Patel confirming it is being investigated as a “domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Westman left behind a manifesto and had posted a suicide video expressing depression, admiration for past mass shooters, and political grievances. Weapons including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol were recovered, along with additional firearms from other locations.
The attack has reignited debates over gun violence and hate crimes in the U.S. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged the public not to exploit the suspect’s gender identity to vilify the transgender community, instead pointing to the accessibility of firearms as a key driver of such tragedies. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff nationwide to honor the victims. The incident marked the 146th shooting at a primary or secondary school in the country this year.
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