Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting: Two Children Killed, Seventeen Injured in Morning Mass Attack
Tragedy Strikes at Morning Mass
As the first week of the school year began at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, children gathered for their morning Mass. Suddenly, gunfire erupted through the church’s stained-glass windows just before 8:30 a.m., igniting chaos and sending pews into pandemonium.
The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, unleashed dozens of rounds into the congregation before taking their own life at the scene.
Victims and Immediate Impact
The shooting claimed the lives of two children—ages 8 and 10—and injured seventeen others, including fourteen students and three elderly parishioners, some of whom were in critical condition. Authorities expect all injured survivors to recover.
According to CNN’s summary of the emerging investigation, multiple victims required surgery, and the incident added to the grim tally of school shootings in 2025.
Suspect’s Background and Investigation
Law enforcement identified the shooter as Robin M. Westman, a former student at the school whose mother once served as a parish staff member. Westman had no known criminal history. Authorities investigated a disturbing manifesto and apparent YouTube video posted before the attack—both of which were swiftly removed with FBI assistance.
The shot-fired attack is under investigation as both a domestic-terrorism act and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Community Tribute and Response
In the wake of the violence, hundreds gathered for a vigil at a neighboring school gym. Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Archbishop Bernard Hebda offered comfort and unity.
President Trump ordered flags to half-staff through August 31, while Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences through Vatican envoys.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey denounced the attack, emphasizing that it happened while the children were praying—and rejected “thoughts and prayers” as insufficient. The Daily Beast
Broader Context and Reflection
This tragedy is the 146th recorded U.S. school shooting of the year 2025, highlighting an ongoing national crisis over gun violence and hate-motivated attacks. The Guardian
Anti-Catholic attacks in the U.S have increased in recent years, including vandalism and arson. This shooting may represent a chilling escalation of religiously motivated violence.
A Community’s Resilience
Annunciation Catholic School has been a Minneapolis institution since 1922, serving pre-K through 8 students and offering an International Baccalaureate curriculum. Its connection to global sister schools reflects a long legacy of faith and education.
Despite unimaginable loss, both school and parish vowed to continue their mission, fortified by renewed calls for unity and action against senseless violence.
Conclusion
The Minneapolis Catholic school shooting stands as a harrowing reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to end gun violence and hate-based attacks. As investigations move forward, the resilience of this community offers a powerful testament to healing through faith, solidarity, and commitment to justice.
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