Minneapolis Shooting Update: Police Review Suspect Robin Westman’s Video ‘Manifesto’ After Tragic Loss of Two Children
Minneapolis Shooting Update: Police Review Suspect Robin Westman’s Video ‘Manifesto’ After Tragic Loss of Two Children
On yesterday, a devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis claimed the lives of two young children and left 17 others injured, shaking a tight-knit community to its core. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at the school, fired dozens of rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows during a morning Mass, before dying by suicide. The incident, now under investigation as a potential act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics, has sparked grief, outrage, and questions about motive, mental health, and gun violence in America. This article delves into the details of the tragedy, the suspect’s background, and the broader implications for society.
A Morning of Horror
The attack unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. during a worship service marking the first week of the school year at Annunciation Catholic Church, adjacent to the school. Children from preschool to eighth grade, along with teachers and parishioners, were gathered for Mass when Westman, dressed in black and armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, approached the church’s exterior. Firing through the windows, Westman unleashed a barrage of bullets, striking students and worshippers seated in the pews. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, while 14 other children, aged 6 to 15, and three adults in their 80s were injured. The swift actions of church staff, who moved children under pews to shield them, likely prevented further loss of life.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the act as a “deliberate act of violence” and “absolutely incomprehensible,” emphasizing the cruelty of targeting children in a place of worship. Westman, who had no prior criminal history, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the church’s parking lot. Authorities recovered a smoke bomb at the scene and are investigating whether all shots were fired from outside or if Westman entered the building. The community, still reeling, held a candlelight vigil that evening at Lynnhurst Park, attended by hundreds, including Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Who Was Robin Westman?
Robin Westman, born Robert Westman, was a 23-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota, who legally changed their name in 2020 to reflect their identity as a transgender woman. A former student at Annunciation Catholic School, Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, had worked as a parish secretary at the school until her retirement in 2021. This connection to the institution added a layer of shock for the community, as did Westman’s lack of a criminal record. Court documents reveal that Westman’s family lived less than a mile from the school, and police searched multiple residences linked to the suspect, recovering additional firearms.
Westman’s social media activity provided chilling insights into their mindset. Before the attack, they posted now-deleted YouTube videos showcasing a notebook filled with handwritten notes, some in Cyrillic, and a detailed sketch of the church’s layout titled “Annunciation from memory.” One video depicted Westman stabbing the drawing with a knife, while others displayed weapons inscribed with phrases like “Kiss me,” “Jew gas,” and the names of notorious mass shooters. In a final note signed “Robin” with a heart, Westman wrote, “The end. I’m so sorry,” hinting at personal turmoil and suicidal intent. Authorities are analyzing these materials to uncover a motive, which remains unclear.
A Community in Mourning
The impact of the shooting rippled through Minneapolis, a city known for its close-knit neighborhoods. Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1923, serves nearly 400 students and is a cornerstone of the community. Parents, shaken by the violence, gathered outside police barricades, some comforting children who witnessed the horror. A father recounted his son breaking his arm in the chaos, while a fifth-grader described a friend shielding him from gunfire. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, rejecting calls for mere “thoughts and prayers,” emphasized the profound pain felt by families, stating, “These kids were literally praying.” Governor Tim Walz echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that no community would endure such a tragedy again.
The vigil at Lynnhurst Park saw residents, clergy, and leaders unite in grief. Archbishop Bernard Hebda called for hope through prayer, sharing a message from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed profound sadness. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the school’s deep ties to the community, noting the widespread trauma caused by the attack. Medical updates provided some relief: all 17 injured victims, including 14 children, are expected to survive, though several remain in critical condition, with four requiring surgery.
Legal and Social Ramifications
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing the shooting as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, as announced by FBI Director Kash Patel. The presence of anti-Christian sentiments, racial slurs, and references to mass shooters in Westman’s videos suggests a complex mix of ideologies, including neo-Nazi thoughts and an obsession with school shootings. Minneapolis police are examining a “manifesto” posted online, which included plans to target a large assembly of children during the first week of school, possibly to maximize impact.
The tragedy has reignited debates about gun control, mental health, and the politicization of identity. Mayor Frey pushed back against anti-transgender rhetoric, urging the public to focus on the victims rather than Westman’s gender identity. The legally purchased firearms used in the attack have also drawn scrutiny, with advocates calling for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies. The shooting’s classification as a hate crime raises questions about how ideological extremism is addressed in a polarized society.
Looking Forward
The Annunciation Catholic School shooting has left an indelible mark on Minneapolis, joining a grim list of attacks on religious and educational institutions across the U.S. Principal Matt DeBoer called his staff a “dream team,” vowing recovery despite the loss of “two angels.” As investigations continue, the community faces the challenge of healing while grappling with unanswered questions about motive and prevention. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for dialogue on gun violence, mental health support, and the protection of vulnerable spaces like schools and churches. For now, Minneapolis mourns, united in sorrow and resilience, as it honors the lives lost and supports those fighting to recover.