Minneapolis Shooting Live Updates: 2 Lose Their Lives and 6 in Critical Condition After Catholic School Attack
Minneapolis Shooting Live Updates: 2 Lose Their Lives and 6 in Critical Condition After Catholic School Attack
A horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left a community in mourning after a former student opened fire during a morning Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others. The attacker, identified as Robin Westman, used legally purchased firearms to target worshippers before dying by suicide. The incident, marked by chilling premeditation revealed through Westman’s online posts, has sparked outrage, grief, and renewed calls for action on gun violence and mental health. This article delves into the details of the tragedy, Westman’s background, the community’s response, and the broader societal questions it raises.
A Brutal Attack on Innocents
The tragedy unfolded at Annunciation Catholic Church, adjacent to the school, where students from preschool to eighth grade were gathered for a Mass celebrating the new school year. Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting children and elderly parishioners in the pews. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others—14 children aged 6 to 15 and three parishioners in their 80s—were injured. School staff acted swiftly, hiding students under pews to shield them from the gunfire, likely saving lives.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the attack a “deliberate act of violence” and “an incomprehensible act of cowardice.” Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the church parking lot, left behind a smoke bomb and a trail of disturbing online content. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, with federal agents recovering at least one firearm for analysis.
Robin Westman’s Troubled Mind
Robin Westman, a 23-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota, was a former student at Annunciation, with their mother, Mary Grace Westman, having worked there until 2021. Born Robert, Westman identified as transgender, a detail that sparked heated online debates, though Mayor Jacob Frey urged the public to focus on the victims. Westman had no criminal record, and their three firearms were legally purchased, raising questions about gaps in gun regulations.
Before the attack, Westman posted YouTube videos, now removed, that revealed a fixation on violence. These included a journal written in Cyrillic script, detailing an obsession with mass shootings, racism, and suicide. One video showed a sketch of the church labeled “Annunciation from memory,” with Westman stabbing it while saying, “where I kill myself.” Weapons bore inscriptions like “Kill Donald Trump,” antisemitic slurs, and references to other mass shooters, suggesting a mix of ideological extremism and personal distress. Authorities are analyzing these materials to uncover a motive, which remains unclear.
A Community’s Grief and Resilience
The Annunciation Catholic School, a cornerstone of south Minneapolis with nearly 400 students, was left reeling. Parents rushed to the scene, some reuniting with traumatized children, while others faced the unbearable loss of loved ones. A father recounted his daughter’s fear, believing she would die, while an eighth-grader described urging classmates to hide. That evening, hundreds gathered at Lynnhurst Park for a vigil, joined by leaders like Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Senator Amy Klobuchar. Archbishop Bernard Hebda spoke of hope, citing prayers from across the country, while Principal Matt DeBoer vowed to rebuild despite the loss of “two angels.”
All 17 injured victims are expected to survive, though several remain in critical condition. Local businesses opened their doors to grieving families, reflecting the community’s tight-knit spirit. Mayor Frey rejected mere “thoughts and prayers,” noting, “These kids were literally praying,” and called for action to address the root causes of such violence.
National Leaders Respond
First Lady Melania Trump issued a poignant statement on X, calling for “pre-emptive intervention” through behavioral threat assessments to identify potential shooters. She emphasized that early warning signs, often visible online, could save lives if addressed swiftly. Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton also expressed grief, with Biden stating, “No parent should ever have to bury their child,” and Obama urging against becoming “numb” to mass shootings. President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and spoke with Governor Tim Walz, who echoed the call for action, ordering state flags to half-staff indefinitely.
These responses highlight the national scope of the tragedy, with leaders across the political spectrum uniting in condemnation of the violence. However, the path to meaningful policy changes remains fraught, as debates over gun control and mental health interventions intensify.
Societal Questions and the Path Forward
The shooting, one of 287 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2025, reignites urgent questions about gun violence, mental health, and school safety. The FBI’s investigation into Westman’s anti-Catholic and extremist rhetoric underscores the threat of ideologically driven attacks. The ease with which Westman obtained firearms fuels calls for stricter regulations, while their online posts highlight the need for better monitoring of digital platforms for signs of radicalization or distress.
Melania Trump’s advocacy for behavioral threat assessments points to a proactive approach, but implementing such measures raises concerns about privacy and effectiveness. The tragedy also prompts reflection on how communities can support individuals showing signs of mental instability, particularly in the context of ideological extremism. As Minneapolis mourns, the focus remains on healing, supporting survivors, and preventing future horrors. The Annunciation community’s resilience, seen in vigils and collective support, offers hope, but the scars of this tragedy will endure, demanding action to protect the most vulnerable.