A quiet Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when a gunman stormed Annunciation Catholic Church, leaving at least three people dead and 17 others injured.
The victims included two young children, aged 8 and 10, who were killed while sitting in the pews during mass.
Shooter Identified as Robin Westman
Authorities identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, formerly known as Robert. Westman, a transgender woman, had previously petitioned to change her name in 2019.
Her mother worked at the school she attacked.
Officials say Westman acted alone and fired a rifle, shotgun, and pistol in what Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described as “a deliberate act of violence.”
FBI Investigates as Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crime
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the Bureau is investigating the attack as both an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
The shooter’s motives remain under investigation. “We will continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds,” Patel said.
Community Leaders Respond
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the incident, condemning transphobia and emphasizing that hate has no place in the city.
“Anybody using this as an opportunity to vilify our trans community or any other community has lost their sense of common humanity,” he said.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, speaking alongside local officials, called the shooting “evil and horrific.”
He praised first responders and urged the public to support the families affected.
Former President Joe Biden and Former First Lady Jill Biden expressed heartbreak on social media, noting the pain parents endure when they lose a child.
Former President Barack Obama echoed the sentiment, urging Americans not to become numb to mass shootings.
Students and Families in Shock
Students at Annunciation Catholic School had only just returned to class on Monday under the theme “A Future Filled with Hope.”
On Wednesday, that hope was shattered.
Fifth grader Weston Halsne described a classmate shielding him from bullets while others hid under pews for nearly ten minutes.
Another student, Clarissa Garcia, recounted praying for safety before being guided to a secure classroom.
Grandfather Michael Simpson, whose grandson was injured, voiced the anguish shared by many families.
“I don’t know where God is,” he said, reflecting the community’s grief and disbelief.
Disturbing Pre-Attack Signs
Authorities are reviewing a now-deleted YouTube video believed to have been posted by Westman hours before the attack.
The video depicted a drawing of the school being stabbed repeatedly while the shooter stated, “I’m going to kill myself.”
Court records confirm Westman’s name change and transgender identity, with her mother involved in the legal petition during her minor years.
National and International Reactions
President Donald Trump ordered flags at all government buildings lowered to half-staff until Sunday in memory of the victims.
Pope Leo XIV sent condolences, calling it a “terrible tragedy” and praying for the grieving families.
Heroism Amid Horror
Amid the chaos, acts of bravery emerged. Students shielded friends from gunfire, and first responders worked quickly to evacuate the injured.
Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota treated multiple children ages 6 to 14, some in critical condition.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Police confirmed no explosives were found, though a smoke device resembling a firework was noted.
The shooter blocked church doors to prevent escape, intensifying the terror.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive while emphasizing the shooter acted alone.
Mayor Frey, Governor Walz, and local senators urge the community to support victims’ families and safeguard children.
“Minnesota is broken,” Walz said, underscoring the collective grief felt across the state.
Remembering the School’s Message of Hope
Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, had planned to celebrate a new school year with optimism.
The tragic events of Wednesday starkly contrast with the school’s theme from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know full well the plans I have for you…plans to offer a future filled with hope.”
Families, students, and staff now struggle to reconcile that hope with the reality of violence that struck their community.
