Tragedy struck Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, when a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church and School during morning Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others before taking their own life. The attack has shaken the city and reignited national debates over gun violence, mental health, and community safety.
Authorities identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school. Armed with three legally purchased firearms—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—Westman fired more than 100 rounds in just minutes. In a chilling move, investigators say wooden planks were used to barricade exits, trapping victims inside the building.
The victims included an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old child, whose lives were cut short in the assault. Among the injured were 14 children and three elderly parishioners, though officials say most are expected to survive.
In the aftermath, police recovered disturbing journals and online videos left behind by Westman. The writings revealed violent fantasies, admiration for past mass shooters, and expressions of hate toward Catholics, Christians, and even former U.S. President Donald Trump. A scheduled letter to family members also exposed deep struggles with depression, suicidal thoughts, and a belief in suffering from cancer.
The FBI is investigating the case as both a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism. Officials are also examining Westman’s complex personal history, including a legal name change in 2020 and conflicting writings about gender identity. Community leaders, however, have urged against scapegoating vulnerable groups, emphasizing instead the need for compassion and a focus on the root causes of violence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the shooting as an act of “unspeakable evil,” while calling for unity. Vigils have since been held outside Annunciation Church, with mourners lighting candles, singing hymns, and demanding stronger action to prevent future tragedies.
As the city grieves, the incident highlights once again the urgent questions facing America: how to balance gun rights with public safety, how to address untreated mental illness, and how to protect the most vulnerable in schools and places of worship. For Minneapolis, the scars of this horrific day will not soon fade—but neither will the resolve of a community determined to heal together.