Tragedy Strikes Minneapolis Catholic School: Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Morning Mass Shooting
Minneapolis, Minnesota – A morning of prayer and the start of a new school year turned into an unimaginable tragedy on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, when a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School during an all-school Mass. The horrific incident resulted in the deaths of two children, aged 8 and 10, and left 17 others injured, 14 of whom were children. The suspected shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Horrific Attack Unfolds
The attack occurred just before 8:30 a.m. local time as students and worshippers gathered for the first Mass of the school year. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara detailed that the shooter approached the side of the church building and fired dozens of rounds through the windows, targeting the children and other congregants seated in the pews. The assailant was heavily armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, and police believe all three weapons were used in the assault. Authorities also reported that the shooter attempted to barricade doors with a 2×4 and that a device similar to a smoke bomb (described as a firework) was found at the scene.
Chief O’Hara condemned the act as an “absolutely incomprehensible” and “deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping.”
Stories of Bravery and Profound Loss
Amidst the chaos, stories of courage and devastating loss emerged. Fifth-grader Weston Halsne, 10, recounted how his friend, Victor, shielded him from the gunfire, taking a shot in the back. Weston, who was just feet away from a stained-glass window shattered by bullets, expressed his fear but also his hope that Victor would be okay after being rushed to the hospital. Local resident Pat Scallen, who lives down the street from the school and is a church member, rushed to the scene immediately after hearing gunshots. He found several badly injured children and stayed with them, providing comfort until ambulances arrived.
The injured patients, ranging in age from 6 to 16, were transported to area hospitals, including Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota. Hennepin Healthcare reported treating 10 patients, including eight children, with seven in critical condition and four requiring surgery. The emotional toll on families was immense, with parents rushing to the school, anxiously awaiting reunification with their children, a scene tragically familiar in America.
Widespread Grief and Calls for Action
The shooting prompted immediate reactions from local, state, and national leaders. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, visibly emotional, stated, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.” He emphasized the need for children to feel safe in schools and churches.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed the state’s heartbreak, urging residents to “Hug your kids close.” President Donald Trump ordered all American flags on public buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in honor of the victims. Pope Leo XIV conveyed his profound sadness and offered heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy. Representative Ilhan Omar, whose district includes Minneapolis, described the event as an “unspeakable horror.”
Local sports teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Lynx, also released statements offering support and prayers to the victims and their families.
Investigation and Broader Context
The motive behind Robin Westman’s actions remains under investigation. Law enforcement officials are examining social media accounts and videos believed to be associated with the shooter, which reportedly contain writings referencing suicide, “extremely violent thoughts and ideas,” an apology to family, and a handwritten sketch of a church interior. Sources also indicated that Westman, who had legally changed their name in 2019, identifying as female, had a mother who once worked at Annunciation Catholic School.
The 102-year-old Annunciation Catholic School, which began its year with the theme “A Future Filled with Hope,” is described by neighbors as the foundation of a tight-knit community. This incident marks the fifth school shooting in the U.S. in 2025 and is the latest in a series of recent tragedies in Minnesota, including other shootings and high-profile violent acts. It also occurred amidst a wave of active shooter hoaxes that have plagued college campuses nationwide, further highlighting the pervasive issue of gun violence.
As the community grapples with this profound loss, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, while renewed calls for meaningful action against gun violence echo across the nation.
