Federal and state authorities are investigating a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that left at least two children dead. Police responded to the incident, which occurred during morning Mass, where they confirmed two children were killed and 17 people were injured.
The suspect has been identified as Robin Westman, who was previously known as Robert Westman. Court records show that a Minneapolis juvenile, Robert Westman, legally changed their name to Robin in 2019. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the shooter was born Robert but later identified as Robin. The name Mary Grace Westman, the mother of Robin Westman, appeared on the school’s Facebook feed in 2021 as the parish secretary, though she has not been reached for comment.
Disturbing videos posted by a user named Robin Westman on YouTube were deleted after the shooting, featuring handwritten pages, weapons with messages, and commentary from the filmmaker. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that authorities were aware of a manifesto the suspect had planned to release on YouTube, which included disturbing writings and was believed to show the shooter at the scene.
All three firearms used in the attack had been legally purchased by Westman, who had no prior criminal record. Police served four search warrants, including at the crime scene and three residences in the Minneapolis metro area, where additional guns were seized. The attack occurred at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday morning, with the perpetrator described as a male dressed in black carrying a black rifle.
Authorities have not confirmed the suspect’s relationship to the school or any connection to students or staff. The Children’s Minnesota Hospital reported that six children are being treated after the incident, with details withheld out of respect for the victims’ families. Police confirmed that two of the 17 injured individuals are in critical condition.
President Donald Trump and other federal and state leaders have commented on the shooting. FBI Director Patel announced that the investigation would consider the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. The Minneapolis Police Department stated that there is no active threat to the community at this time, and the shooter is contained.