Tragedy in Minneapolis: Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School Leaves Two Children Dead and 17 Injured
On August 27, 2025, a horrific mass shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a morning Mass. The assailant, 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all legally purchased—firing through the church windows into pews filled with students and worshippers. Tragically, two children—ages 8 and 10—were killed, and 17 people were injured, including 14 children and three elderly parishioners. All surviving victims are expected to recover.
Westman died by suicide at the scene. The FBI is treating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. In disturbing pre-shooting activity, Westman posted a manifesto-style video to YouTube expressing admiration for past mass shooters and featuring hateful messages and defaced ammunition magazines. Authorities are thoroughly investigating to understand potential motives.
In a moment of heartbreaking bravery, a 10-year-old student named Weston Halsne revealed that a friend, Victor, shielded him from the gunfire—and was injured in the process.
The courage and leadership of first responders, school staff, and medical personnel are being praised—and the community is coming together in grief and solidarity. Vigils have been held, including one attended by thousands where clergy, Gov. Tim Walz, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar stood with the mourners. Flags have been lowered to half-staff nationwide to honor the victims.
Mayor Jacob Frey spoke out, urging empathy and warning against scapegoating any community following the revelation of Westman’s transgender identity. He emphasized, “Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community has lost their sense of common humanity.”
Pope Leo XIV, through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, offered spiritual comfort and Apostolic blessing to the grieving families and the Annunciation school community, extending prayers and solidarity in this darkest hour.
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