Minneapolis is grappling with a devastating tragedy after a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School left two children dead and at least 17 others injured.
The suspect, identified as Robin Westman, a transgender woman, reportedly had a personal connection to the school—her mother worked there before retiring in 2021.
Shooter’s Background and Name Change
Court records obtained by the Daily Mail reveal that Westman was previously known as Robert.
In 2019, while still a minor, she petitioned the court in Dakota County, Minnesota, to change her name to Robin, citing her female gender identity.
Her mother signed the application, and the request was officially approved in January 2020, at a cost of $311.
Horrific Attack During Mass
Officials say Westman opened fire through the stained glass windows of the church attached to the school on Wednesday morning.
The victims included children aged eight and ten, while at least 17 others—14 children and three adults—sustained injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Westman later turned the gun on herself.
Disturbing Online Activity
Prior to the attack, a YouTube account believed to belong to Westman shared a now-deleted 20-minute video that appears to serve as a manifesto.
The footage reportedly shows a drawing of a church being stabbed repeatedly while a quiet voice says, “I’m going to kill myself.”
Additional clips on the account showed gun parts and firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun.
Some of the parts were inscribed with names of previous mass shooters, and one included a threatening message aimed at President Donald Trump.
Police are investigating these videos as part of their probe.
Weapons and Tactics
Police confirmed the shooter was armed with three firearms—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—and fired all three during the attack.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described how Westman approached the side of the church and shot through the windows at children sitting in the pews.
Authorities also noted that at least two doors of the church had been blocked with two-by-fours, suggesting the gunman intended to trap people inside.
Chief O’Hara said, “The coward who fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church.
The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
School Details and Community Impact
The students at Annunciation Catholic School had just returned to classes on Monday and were attending morning mass when the shooting occurred.
Founded in 1923, the school serves pre-K through eighth grade and had 391 students enrolled for the 2023–24 school year.
This shocking attack has left the Minneapolis community in mourning, with questions mounting about how such violence can be prevented in places of worship and education.
