On Wednesday, a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis resulted in two deaths and 17 injuries. The suspect, Robin Westman, was identified as a 23-year-old who used three legally purchased firearms in the attack. Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed all weapons were acquired through legal channels and that the shooter acted alone. The incident occurred during a Mass, and the lockdown procedures at the church likely saved numerous lives by preventing the shooter from entering the building.
Police executed four search warrants, including at the church and three residences in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, recovering hundreds of pieces of evidence. O’Hara emphasized that while the shooter’s motive remains unclear, there is no indication of a larger conspiracy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced the firearms found at the scene but noted that the information will remain confidential for ongoing investigations.
The Annunciation Church reported that staff quickly moved students under pews during the shooting, enabling a swift evacuation by law enforcement. Mayor Jacob Frey commended the bravery of the school staff and police for their quick response. Victims’ families expressed profound grief, with one mother describing the event as a deeply traumatic experience. First Lady Melania Trump called for increased attention to early warning signs of potential shooters and emphasized the importance of behavioral threat assessments across all levels of society to prevent future tragedies.