Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Update: Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Mass Shooting!
A devastating tragedy struck a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, leaving two young children dead and 17 others injured in a mass shooting during a morning worship service. The incident, which unfolded at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, has shaken the community and drawn national attention as authorities piece together the details of this heartbreaking act of violence.
A Morning of Tragedy
The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. during a mass marking the first week of the school year. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, addressing a press conference, confirmed that two children, aged eight and 10, were fatally shot while seated in church pews. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired a rifle through the church windows, targeting the children and worshippers inside. Westman, who later took their own life behind the church, also used a shotgun and a pistol in the attack.
O’Hara described the incident as an “unthinkable tragedy” and condemned the “sheer cruelty and cowardice” of targeting children in a place of worship. The attack left 17 people injured, including 14 children, two of whom remain in critical condition. The community is reeling from the loss, with parents, teachers, and first responders grappling with the aftermath of this deliberate act of violence.
The Suspect’s Background
Robin Westman, a 23-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota, was identified as the shooter. Reports indicate that Westman’s mother worked at Annunciation Catholic School, though her specific role remains unclear. Court documents reveal that Westman, born Robert, legally changed their name to Robin in January 2020 after identifying as female.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, but authorities have confirmed it was a planned attack, as the shooter targeted the school’s first all-school mass of the year, a service primarily attended by children.
Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, expressed his shock and sorrow, calling the incident an “unspeakable tragedy.” He noted that he had limited contact with Westman, last seeing them at a family wedding several years ago, but extended prayers to his sister, Westman’s mother, and the victims’ families.
A Community in Mourning
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, visibly emotional during the press conference, struggled to convey the depth of the tragedy. “Children are dead. There are families that have a deceased child. You cannot put into words the gravity, the tragedy, or the pain of this situation,” Frey said. He emphasized the cruelty of the attack, noting that the children were “literally praying” when the violence erupted. Frey urged the public to move beyond platitudes of “thoughts and prayers,” highlighting the profound loss felt by the victims’ families.
Parents and parishioners shared their anguish in the wake of the shooting. Renee Lego, whose fifth- and eighth-grade children attend Annunciation, recounted her son’s confusion, mistaking gunshots for fireworks or an explosion before witnessing the chaos.
“Both my kids have blood on them,” she told reporters, describing the attack as “horrific” and “cowardly.” Another parent, Michael Simpson, revealed that his 10-year-old grandson, Weston Halsne, was grazed by a bullet while seated near the church windows. “It’s just really hard for me to take in,” Simpson said, questioning how such a tragedy could occur.
Medical Response and Support
Hennepin County Medical Center received 11 victims, including nine children aged six to 14 and two adults. Dr. Thomas Wyatt, chair of emergency medicine, confirmed that four patients required surgery, but no fatalities were reported among those treated at the hospital.
Children’s Minnesota Hospital admitted five children for care, withholding further details to respect patient privacy. The swift response from medical teams and first responders has been praised, with hospitals working tirelessly to save lives and support the injured.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, briefed on the incident, expressed solidarity with the community, stating, “Minnesota is heartbroken.” He praised the efforts of police, clergy, teachers, and hospital staff, urging residents to “hug your kids close.” Former President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, offered prayers and said the White House was monitoring the situation. Reports later confirmed that Walz and the president had discussed the tragedy, reflecting its national significance.
A Broader Context of Violence
The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School marks the fourth shooting in Minneapolis within a 24-hour period, with three other incidents claiming three lives and injuring at least eight others. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, more than 140 shootings have been reported in U.S. elementary and secondary schools in 2025, underscoring the persistent challenge of gun violence in educational settings. Meanwhile, several universities across the country reported unfounded shooter threats earlier in the week, adding to the heightened sense of fear.
A School Community Devastated
Annunciation Catholic School, which serves students from preschool through eighth grade, had just welcomed children back from summer break on Monday. Social media posts from the school’s Facebook page showed joyful images of students reuniting and parking their bikes, a stark contrast to the tragedy that unfolded days later. The all-school mass, a cherished tradition, was meant to mark the start of the academic year with reflection and community. Instead, it became the scene of unimaginable loss.
Moving Forward Together
As Minneapolis grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families, the injured, and the broader school community. The incident has reignited discussions about school safety and gun violence, with leaders and residents calling for action to prevent future tragedies. For now, the city mourns the loss of two young lives and prays for the recovery of those injured, united in grief and resilience.
