The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire through church windows toward children at the Annunciation Catholic School.
Tragedy at Annunciation: Minneapolis School Shooting Casts Shadow on First Week of Classes
In a chilling early-morning attack that has shaken families and communities, a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church—part of Annunciation Catholic School—in southwest Minneapolis during a school-wide Mass. The incident occurred on August 27, 2025, during one of the most sacred times of the school year: the first Mass of the new academic term.
The Fateful Morning: What We Know
At approximately 8:30 a.m. CDT, a lone attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, unleashed a volley of bullets from outside the church, firing through its stained-glass windows toward students and faculty. Authorities say the shooter used multiple firearms—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—and may have also deployed what appeared to be a smoke bomb .
The assault lasted just a few terrifying minutes. When it ended, two children—aged 8 and 10—were dead, and 17 others were wounded, including 14 children, some of whom remain in critical condition . The attacker then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, marking the scene a tragic murder-suicide .
Unsettling Details from the Investigation
Robin M. Westman, a former student of Annunciation School, is believed to have had no significant criminal history . The attacker’s mother had worked at the school until 2021 . Investigators uncovered disturbing evidence: videos and online posts featuring messages of violence, racial or antisemitic content, a sketch of the church’s interior, and access to multiple weapons .
Community Reaction: Grief, Outrage, and SolidarMinneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack as unspeakable, stating, “These kids were literally praying… this kind of act of evil should never happen.” He pledged that the city would create a family resource center to support those affected .
Governor Tim Walz expressed profound sorrow and urged Minnesotans to hold their loved ones close during this time . Senator Amy Klobuchar shared her heartbreak and sympathy for the families .
On a national level, President Trump stated he had been briefed, offered prayers, and directed that flags be flown at half-staff through August 31 in honor of the victims .
Faith leaders also responded: Archbishop Bernard Hebda received a message of spiritual solidarity from Pope Leo XIV, while local church officials offered immediate pastoral support to grieving families .
A Wider Context of Violence
This devastating event marks the second mass shooting in Minneapolis within 48 hours—the previous incident occurred at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School on August 26, and left one dead and several wounded .
Healing in the Face of Horror
Annunciation Catholic Church, a longstanding institution founded in 1922, serves students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, currently enrolling roughly 340 — 340 for the 2024–25 school year . The community now faces the arduous task of healing, as parents and officials grapple with terrifying questions about safety and prevention.
Mayor Frey’s announcement of a Family Resource Center signals a commitment to creating safe spaces and practical aid for affected families .
