Authorities in Minneapolis have confirmed that three additional children were injured in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church last week, raising the total number of wounded to 21. The shooting took place on August 27 during a Sunday service, leaving the community shaken and in mourning.
Police said that most of the victims were children between the ages of 6 and 15, along with three elderly parishioners in their eighties. Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, lost their lives in the attack. Their deaths have devastated families and left a deep wound in the parish community.
Four people—three children and one adult—remain hospitalized at Hennepin County Medical Center. Doctors have not released detailed updates on their conditions, but officials said they are continuing to receive critical care.
The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed that Westman had once attended Annunciation Catholic School, which serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The connection to the church and school has made the tragedy feel even more personal for the local community.
Community on Edge Ahead of School Year
The attack happened just days before Minneapolis public schools were scheduled to open for the new academic year. Out of concern for student safety, the city announced a significantly increased police presence around school buildings as classes resume. Officers will be stationed outside campuses to reassure families and help prevent further violence.
Annunciation Catholic School, where many of the young victims studied or had close ties, will remain closed for the time being. Church leaders said the decision was made to allow families time to grieve and to give staff an opportunity to heal before reopening.
Parents and teachers across the city are struggling to comfort children who are returning to class under the shadow of tragedy. Counselors have been made available to help students process their fears, with officials stressing that emotional recovery will take time.
A City in Mourning
Vigils have been held across Minneapolis, with hundreds gathering to honor the victims and offer support to their families. Community members lit candles, sang hymns, and placed flowers at the steps of Annunciation Church.
Mayor Jacob Frey expressed his condolences, saying the city is standing together in grief but also in determination to support survivors and prevent similar tragedies. “The pain in our community is profound,” he said. “But our response must be to lift one another up and to protect our children.”
Faith leaders across the Twin Cities have also called for unity and resilience. “This was an attack not just on a congregation, but on the idea of peace and sanctuary,” one priest said during a citywide vigil.
Investigation Continues
The Minneapolis Police Department is still piecing together the details of what led to the shooting. Investigators are reviewing the gunman’s background, including writings and online activity. Authorities said that while they are trying to understand the shooter’s motives, their main focus remains on caring for the victims and their families.
Police have also confirmed that the firearms used in the attack were legally obtained. The shooting has reignited discussions about gun access and safety in Minnesota, though local officials have urged that the current priority should be supporting grieving families.
Moving Forward
As the community prepares for the difficult weeks ahead, local organizations are raising funds for victims’ medical bills and funeral costs. Volunteers have stepped in to provide meals, counseling services, and safe spaces for children affected by the violence.
For many residents, the shooting has left a sense of disbelief that such horror could unfold in a place of worship. Yet there has also been an outpouring of solidarity. Messages of support have poured in from across the country, reminding the people of Minneapolis that they are not alone.
The road to healing will be long, but the families of the victims are not facing it in isolation. From city leaders to neighborhood groups, the entire community has promised to walk with them through grief and recovery.
