A shocking school shooting struck Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during a morning Mass. The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire through church windows, killing two children and injuring 17 others, including 14 children. Eleven victims were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot and is investigating the attack as a potential domestic terrorism and hate crime. The community mourns as questions about school safety and gun control resurface nationwide.
The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics, its director said.
The gunman has been identified by Minneapolis Police as 23-year-old Robin Westman
Breaking: Two Children Dead, Multiple Injured in Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting
A tragic school shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during a morning Mass, leaving two children dead and dozens more injured. Police reported the gunman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, opened fire through the church windows, targeting students sitting in the pews.
Authorities believe the shooter took their own life at the scene. The incident has shocked the community and reignited urgent discussions about school safety and gun control in the United States.
Tragedy at Minneapolis Catholic School: Two Children Dead, 17 Injured in Shooting
A shocking school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has left two children dead—aged 8 and 10—and 17 others injured, including 14 students and three elderly parishioners. Police said the victims are expected to survive. The shooting occurred Wednesday morning, only the third day of the school year.
The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, according to Director Kash Patel.
Leaders of the Catholic Church expressed condolences: Pope Leo XIV sent prayers and spiritual support, while Archbishop Bernard Hebda called for an end to gun violence and condemned the “senseless violence” against innocent children.
Annunciation Catholic School Shooting: Shooter Identified, Motive Still Unclear
Police have identified the shooter in the Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic School shooting as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who had no prior criminal history and is believed to have acted alone. Authorities have not yet determined a motive or any connection between Westman and the church.
Investigators are reviewing a social media post showing Westman at the scene. Videos on a YouTube channel allegedly posted by Westman showed weapons with phrases like “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?”, as well as diagrams of the church with marks on its windows.
Officials noted the shooter’s gender identity and cautioned against targeting Minneapolis’ transgender community, while police confirmed two chapel doors had been barricaded from outside. Mayor Jacob Frey called the event an “unthinkable tragedy.”
Heroism Amid Tragedy: Minneapolis Church Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead
During a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, the gunman opened fire through church windows, targeting children sitting in the pews. Police described the attack as a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children”, calling it an incomprehensible act of cruelty.
Teachers and students responded heroically, with adults shielding children and older students protecting younger ones. One 11-year-old, Chloe, survived by hiding in a room and barricading the door. Her father said she told him she thought she was going to die, highlighting the trauma endured by survivors.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the shooting, saying children should be able to attend school and church without fear, and urging action beyond “thoughts and prayers.”
Deadly Minneapolis Shooting Adds to Surge of Gun Violence
The Annunciation Catholic School shooting is the latest in a string of deadly gun-related incidents in Minneapolis within 24 hours. On Tuesday alone, one person was killed and six injured outside a high school, followed by two additional deaths in separate shootings hours later.
US President Donald Trump said he was “fully briefed” on the tragedy, noting the FBI’s rapid response, and ordered US flags flown at half-mast until August 31. Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz expressed prayers for the students and teachers affected during the school’s first week.
Eyewitness Bill Bienemann, who lives nearby, reported hearing as many as 50 gunshots over four minutes, describing the violence as “horrific” and leaving the community shaken. His daughter, Alexandra, expressed heartbreak and fear for the safety of Minneapolis residents.
Minneapolis Church Shooting Strikes Students During First Week of School
The Annunciation Catholic School shooting occurred during an 8:15 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, just days after the start of the school year. The pre-K through eighth-grade school had welcomed students on Monday, making the tragedy especially devastating for the community.
US Senator Tina Smith expressed concern, praising the swift response of law enforcement and emphasizing that children should be able to attend school without fearing for their lives.
The attack has left Minneapolis in shock, reigniting urgent conversations about school safety, gun violence, and community protection.
