Minneapolis Tragedy: Shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School
What was meant to be a joyful and prayerful beginning to the new school year in Minneapolis turned into an unimaginable tragedy on Wednesday morning when an active shooter opened fire during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., gunfire erupted as students, families, and staff gathered inside the church for what should have been a day of hope, renewal, and community celebration. The shooter, identified by law enforcement as 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired multiple rounds through the church’s historic stained-glass windows, sending worshippers into panic and chaos.
Loss of Life and Casualties
Authorities have confirmed that two children lost their lives in the attack. Their names have not yet been publicly released as families are notified. In addition, at least 17 others were injured, ranging from minor to critical injuries. Many victims were transported to nearby Minneapolis hospitals, where emergency staff worked tirelessly to provide life-saving care.
Westman was later found deceased inside the building from a self-inflicted gunshot wound (GSW).
Connection to the School
According to law enforcement sources, Westman’s mother was an employee at Annunciation Catholic School, raising further questions about motive, planning, and possible ties to the location of the attack. Investigators are examining whether there were personal grievances connected to the church or school community.
Court documents reveal that the suspect legally changed his name from Robert to Robin in 2020. Authorities have not confirmed whether this detail is relevant to the investigation, but it has been included in public records to assist in piecing together a timeline of Westman’s life and possible behavioral changes in recent years.
Community in Shock
The Annunciation community, known for its tight-knit parish family and longstanding traditions, is devastated by the sudden and senseless act of violence. Parents, teachers, and clergy who witnessed the attack are working through profound trauma. Local officials have described the scene as one of “sheer terror,” as students and families scrambled for safety within the sacred space of their church.
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis released a statement expressing heartbreak and solidarity:
“This was meant to be a day of prayer, joy, and unity. Instead, it has become a day of mourning. We ask for continued prayers for the victims, their families, and our entire community as we walk through this valley of grief.”
Law Enforcement and Response
Within minutes of the initial 911 calls, Minneapolis police officers and emergency responders arrived on scene. Officers entered the church to neutralize the threat and assist victims, while paramedics established triage zones outside the parish.
Federal agents with the ATF and FBI have joined the investigation, assisting local law enforcement in determining how Westman obtained his firearm, whether it was legally purchased, and if any warning signs were missed in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Healing and Moving Forward
Counselors and trauma specialists are being deployed to the school to provide immediate emotional and psychological support to students, staff, and families. Vigils are already being planned, with Minneapolis residents uniting in grief and support for those most deeply affected.
Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the city in a press conference:
“We will never be able to understand why children had to lose their lives in a house of worship today. But we will stand together as a city, as a community, and ensure those families know they are not alone in this unbearable pain.”
National Reflection
This tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church and School underscores the growing concerns over active-shooter incidents in schools, houses of worship, and community spaces once considered safe havens. Calls for stronger school safety protocols, gun reform, and mental health resources have already intensified in the wake of Wednesday morning’s events.
Final Thoughts
The back-to-school Mass was meant to mark a new beginning for hundreds of young students. Instead, it became a reminder of life’s fragility and the urgent need for compassion, vigilance, and action in the face of violence.
For now, Minneapolis grieves together, holding close the families of the two children whose lives were cut tragically short, the 17 injured, and every member of the Annunciation community forever changed by this heartbreaking morning.