Who Is Robin Westman? What We Know About Suspect in Minneapolis Church Shooting That Left Two Children and 17 Others Injured
Who Is Robin Westman? What We Know About Suspect in Minneapolis Church Shooting That Left Two Children and 17 Others Injured
On August 27, 2025, a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 others injured, shattering the peace of a community gathered for a morning Mass. The perpetrator, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school, opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows before taking their own life. The incident, labeled a “deliberate act of violence” by authorities, has sparked grief, outrage, and renewed debates about gun violence, mental health, and hate crimes in America. This article explores the details of the attack, Westman’s background, the community’s response, and the broader implications of this devastating event.
A Devastating Attack
The shooting occurred around 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, adjacent to the school, where students and parishioners were celebrating the first week of the academic year. Westman, dressed in black and armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the church’s windows, targeting children and worshippers in the pews. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others—14 children aged 6 to 15 and three elderly parishioners—were injured. Quick actions by school staff, who shielded students under pews, likely saved lives, but the trauma was profound.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the attack “absolutely incomprehensible,” emphasizing its cruelty. Westman died by suicide in the church’s parking lot, leaving behind a smoke bomb and no immediate motive. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is treating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, with ongoing efforts to analyze Westman’s actions and writings for clues.
Robin Westman: A Troubled Past
Robin Westman, formerly known as Robert, was a 23-year-old Richfield resident who changed their name in 2020 to reflect their transgender identity. A former student at Annunciation, Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, had worked at the school until 2021. This personal connection deepened the community’s shock. Westman had no criminal history, and their firearms were recently purchased legally, raising questions about gun access.
Disturbing social media posts surfaced after the attack, including YouTube videos showing Westman’s notebook with Cyrillic writings, a sketch of the church labeled “Annunciation from memory,” and weapons inscribed with phrases like “Kiss me” and names of infamous mass shooters. One note, signed “Robin” with a heart, read, “The end. I’m so sorry,” suggesting emotional distress. Another video showed Westman stabbing a church diagram, hinting at premeditation. Authorities are investigating these materials to determine a motive, which remains elusive but points to an obsession with mass violence and ideological extremism.
Community Grief and Resilience
The Annunciation community, serving nearly 400 students from preschool to eighth grade, was left reeling. Parents gathered outside police barricades, some reuniting with terrified children, while others mourned unimaginable losses. A fifth-grader recounted a friend shielding him from bullets, and a parent described their son’s broken arm from the chaos. That evening, hundreds attended a vigil at Lynnhurst Park, joined by leaders like Mayor Jacob Frey and Senator Amy Klobuchar, who offered condolences and calls for action.
Principal Matt DeBoer praised his staff’s heroism, vowing to rebuild, while Archbishop Bernard Hebda urged hope through prayer. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow, and all 17 injured victims, including those in critical condition, are expected to survive. Local businesses, like El Sazon Cocina & Tragos, opened their doors for grieving families, reflecting the tight-knit nature of south Minneapolis.
Broader Implications and Debates
The shooting has intensified discussions on several fronts. The FBI’s classification of the attack as a potential hate crime stems from Westman’s anti-Catholic and extremist rhetoric, including racial slurs and references to mass shooters in their videos. Mayor Frey condemned efforts to politicize Westman’s transgender identity, urging focus on the victims. The legal purchase of Westman’s firearms has reignited calls for stricter gun laws, with advocates pointing to the ease of acquiring weapons despite signs of mental instability.
Mental health is another critical issue. Westman’s videos suggest a troubled mindset, possibly exacerbated by untreated issues. The case underscores the need for better mental health resources and early intervention, especially in communities where stigma may prevent seeking help. The attack, the 146th school shooting in the U.S. since January 2025, also highlights the persistent challenge of protecting educational and religious spaces.
Moving Forward
As Minneapolis mourns, the Annunciation shooting serves as a grim reminder of the toll of gun violence and ideological extremism. The community’s resilience, seen in vigils and collective support, offers hope, but the path to healing is long. Investigations continue to unravel Westman’s motives, while advocates push for policy changes to address gun access, mental health, and hate-driven violence. For the families of the two children lost and the 17 injured, the focus remains on recovery and honoring the memory of those taken too soon. This tragedy calls for a national reckoning on how to prevent such horrors and support communities in their aftermath.