A tragic shooting took place Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and 17 others injured. The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, later died by suicide.
Authorities said 14 of the injured were children between the ages of 6 and 15, while three were elderly parishioners in their 80s. Thankfully, all of the injured are expected to survive.
The shooting occurred during morning Mass, just days after the start of the school year. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the event as a day of “evil and horror and death,” adding that no community should ever have to endure such violence.
Shooter’s Identity and Weapons
Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the shooter was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, all of which were legally purchased in recent weeks. Westman had no serious criminal history and acted alone.
Authorities are investigating possible motives, but none have been confirmed. Federal officials are also reviewing videos and writings believed to have been prepared by Westman before the attack. Some videos, later removed from YouTube, showed weapons and ammunition, disturbing messages, and drawings of the school layout.
The FBI has said the attack is being investigated as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Stories of Survival and Trauma
The violence left deep scars on children and their families. Vincent Francoual, whose 11-year-old daughter Chloe survived by hiding in a locked room, said she believed she was going to die during the shooting. He added that she feels guilty for leaving a classmate behind while escaping.
Other parents said their children were forced to step over the bodies of the victims as they fled. “It’s too much to process,” Francoual said, adding that the families of the victims are close-knit, with some having recently traveled together.
Police Chief O’Hara noted that both children and staff, as well as officers who responded to the scene, are experiencing severe trauma.
Community Response
In the hours following the attack, a vigil was held at Holy Angels Academy in nearby Richfield. Parents, students, and parishioners gathered to mourn the two children who lost their lives and to support the wounded.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis expressed heartbreak, saying, “My heart is broken as I think about students, teachers, clergy and parishioners and the horror they witnessed in a Church, a place where we should feel safe.” He called for an end to gun violence and said the archdiocese is providing support for those affected.
Pope Leo XIV also sent condolences, calling the attack a “terrible tragedy.” He said he was praying for the families of the victims and for the wider Catholic community.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement urging healing and asking for prayers for the Annunciation community.
Flags Lowered in Mourning
President Donald Trump ordered flags on all government buildings to fly at half-staff until Sunday in memory of the victims. Governor Walz directed the same for Minnesota, while North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong also extended the gesture of solidarity.
“Minnesota is heartbroken,” Walz said. “From the officers responding, to the clergy and teachers providing comfort, to the hospital staff saving lives, we will get through this together. Hug your kids close.”
Hospitals Treating Victims
Hennepin Healthcare, the main trauma hospital in Minneapolis, received 10 patients, including several children and two adults. Seven were initially reported in critical condition. Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, also treated several young victims.
Looking Ahead
As investigators search for answers, officials emphasized that the community’s focus must remain on healing. “Minnesotans will not step away. We’re standing with this community,” Walz said.
The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School has shocked not only Minnesota but the nation and Catholic communities around the world. For the families of the two children killed, and the many more living with trauma, the road ahead will be long and painful.
