Minneapolis is in shock and mourning after a horrifying attack at Annunciation Catholic School and Church left two children dead and many others injured.
Families, neighbors, and first responders are still processing the terrifying events that unfolded during the school’s start-of-year Mass on Wednesday morning.
Authorities say the gunman, Robin Westman, fired through the church’s stained-glass windows, striking children as they sat in pews and prayed.
The massacre has left the city grappling with grief, fear, and a desperate search for answers about what drove the 23-year-old to commit such violence.
Nurse Offers Comfort Inside CT Scanner
In the midst of the chaos, acts of compassion shone through.
A nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center climbed into a CT scanner with a young shooting victim to provide comfort during the frightening procedure.
Trauma surgeon Dr. Jon Gayken explained that the elementary school girl was “very scared,” and the nurse held her hand and hair throughout the scan so she wouldn’t have to face it alone.
Normally, staff evacuate the room during scans, but this nurse put herself at risk from radiation just to support the terrified child.
Presidential Response and Prayers for Victims
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump called on the nation to unite in prayer for the victims and their families.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the tragedy, highlighting the deaths of two children and injuries to 18 others, including three adults.
“This was the first morning Mass of the school year for these beautiful, innocent children, desecrated by an evil monster,” Leavitt said, referring to Westman as “deranged.”
She confirmed that the FBI is investigating the shooting as a domestic terrorism act and a hate crime against Catholics.
Shooter’s Disturbing Background Emerges
Robin Westman left behind a chilling suicide note explaining years of depression, suicidal thoughts, and a sense of hopelessness.
In it, Westman described being “corrupted by this world” and struggling with mental health for years.
The note also requested prayers for the victims.
Neighbors described Westman as an ordinary young adult who didn’t seem suspicious.
They noted she had friends, a routine, and appeared “normal,” with no obvious warning signs of the impending violence.
Terrifying Moments Inside the Church
Grim footage from the scene shows children fleeing the church as gunfire rang out for roughly two minutes.
Some crouched low, covering their heads, while others clutched their ears in fear.
First responders worked frantically to stabilize the wounded, with hospitals preparing for a mass casualty event.
One bystander, Pat Scallen, recalled a little girl struck in the head asking him to “hold my hand.”
The community has since been praised for the bravery and love shown by children and staff during the attack.
ICU Nurses Confront Personal Tragedy
Hennepin Healthcare ICU nurse Amy Forchas faced an unimaginable day when her daughter Sophia, 12, was critically injured in the shooting.
Sophia underwent emergency surgery, and her condition remains serious.
Forchas’ family described the road ahead as “long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult,” while emphasizing that Sophia is “strong” and supported.
Shooter’s Planning and Motive
Investigators revealed Westman had been planning the attack for over a month, visiting the church beforehand and sketching its interior.
In a now-deleted YouTube video and manifesto, Westman displayed firearms and ammunition, expressed hostility toward President Trump, mocked the Catholic Church, and revealed confusion over gender identity.
Court records show Westman legally changed her name from Robert in 2019, identifying as female, but struggled with her transgender identity, describing herself as “tired of being trans.”
Heroic Responses During the Rampage
A police officer bravely pursued Westman as shots rang out, while parishioners and staff shielded children and helped them escape.
Stories of courage emerged from inside the church, with students protecting one another and staff directing children to safety.
Mourning and Vigil for Victims
Hours after the attack, hundreds of people gathered for a vigil at a nearby school gym, joined by Governor Tim Walz and clergy.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda praised the courage and love shown by students and staff during the chaos.
The city continues to hold prayer services and interfaith gatherings as the community seeks healing.
School Closure and Recovery Efforts
Annunciation Catholic School remains closed, with no timetable for reopening.
School officials, clergy, and investigators are working together to support families and restore a sense of safety.
Principal Matthew DeBoer and Pastor Dennis Zehren urged the community to lean on one another during this “unfathomable time,” promising updates on support services and future school operations.
Minneapolis Faces Questions About Safety and Prevention
The attack has left city officials and residents asking how such a tragedy could happen and what can be done to prevent future violence.
Investigators continue to probe Westman’s motives, mental health history, and planning, while the FBI confirms the massacre is being treated as both a hate crime and domestic terrorism.
